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JOHNA.SEAVERNS 


TUFTS   UNIVERSITY   LIBRARIES 


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Webster  Family  Library  of  Veterinary  Medicine 
Cummings  School  bt  Veterinary  Medicine  at 
Tufts  University  , 

200  V^stboro  Road 
Nortfi  Grafton,  MA  01536 


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THE 

PRACTICAL  FARRIEE, 

•      FOE  FAKMEES:  '     , 

I 

I 

COMPRISING 

« 
A  GENERAL  DESCRIPTION   OF  THE  MOBLE   AND    USEFUL   ANIMAI., 

THE  HORSE; 

WITH   MODES   OP  MANAGEMENT  IN  ALL  CASES, 
AND    TREATMENT    IN    DISEASE. 

TO   WHICH   IS   ADDED, 

A  PRIZE   ESSAY   ON   MULES; 
'  AN  APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING    RECIPES    FOR    DISEASES    OF    HORSES,    OXEN^ 
COWS,  CALVES,    SHEEP,   DOGS,   SWINE,   ETC.    ETC. 


VY  KICHARD   MASON,   M.  D, 

fOBMERLY   OF   SURRY   COUNTY,    VIRGINIA. 


^wx^i^^^t^^^r^^^k^^^^^ 


PHILADELPHIA: 
J.    B.   LIPPINCO,TT    &    CO 

1860. 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress,  in  the  Vf-ar  1848,  by 

JOHN  GRIGG, 

in  the  clerk's  office  of  the  district  court  of  the  United  states,  in 
and  for  the  eastern  district  of  Pennsylvania  <^ 


PREFACE. 


Few  subjects  can  more  justly  claim  the  attention 
of  the  public,  than  that  noble  and  useful  animai,  the 
horse;  and  there  are  few  indeed  of  any  moment,  that 
have  met  with  more  neglect  from  society.  Not  more 
than  one  or  two  authors  in  the  United  States  have 
turned  their  attention  to  this  interesting  subject.  This 
neglect,  in  which  every  individual  is  so  deeply  interested, 
must  have  proceeded  from  the  low  standing  in  society 
to  which  the  horse  has  been  sunk  by  men  destitute  oi 
veracity,  too  often  having  the  opportunity  of  dealing  in 
those  invaluable  animals,  committing  frauds,  making 
false  statements  of  age,  gaits,  condition,  &c.  to  the  injury 
of  those  v^rho  are  unfortunate  enough  to  confide  in  their 
assertions,  or  to  deal  with  them. 

In  this  little  vv^ork,  v^^hose  size  is  calculated  for  the 
pocket,  I  shall  endeavour  to  guard  the  unsuspecting 
against  the  arts  of  the  jockey,  and  to  point  out  so  plainly 
the  difference  between  an  elegant  and  a  common  horse 
a  good  and  bad  horse,  a  sound  and  an  unsound  horse 
that  any  person  may  become  a  tolerable  judge,  by 
reading  this  Httle  book  with  attention,  however  unfa- 
miliar the  subject  may  have  been  heretofore.  It  is 
my  object  to  be  useful  rather  than  offend,  or  appear 
learned.  I  shall  avoid  all  hard  names,  technical  terms. 
Sec. ;  and  w^ill  offer  to  the  public  the  information  I 
1* 


PREFAfJE 


possess,  with  candour  and  simplicity.  In  a  work  ol 
this  nature,  the  claim  to  entire  originality  must  be 
relinquished;  so  far  from  attempting  it,  I  confess  1 
have,  in  a  few  instances,  made  quotations  from  other 
authors,  when  I  have  found  from  experience  they  con- 
tained matter,  useful,  clear,  plain,  and  familiar  for  my 
purpose.  I  hope  this  acknowledgment  will  bo  received 
in  place  of  marks  of  quotation. 

Amongst  the  great  number  of  animals  under  the 
control  of  man,  the  excellent  horse,  unquestionably,  is 
the  most  serviceable.  How  often  do  we  see  him  the 
sole  dependence  of  the  poor  farmer  and  his  family, 
with  whom  he  divides  the  morsel,  shares  in  the  toils, 
and  by  slowly  turning  up  the  soil,  not  only  keeps  them 
free  from  want,  but  fills  the  barn  with  plenty !  Trace 
him  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest  situation,  you  will 
find  him  faithful,  affectionate,  and  no  less  useful.  Jn 
every  species  of  farming,  the  horse  bears  the  principal 
burden,  and  is  the  means  of  increasing  wealth  and 
happiness.  In  the  transportation  of  foreign  growth 
and  manufactures  to  the  interior  of  our  country,  and 
the  exportation  of  the  produce  of  the  United  States, 
the  faithful  horse  affords  a  speedy  conveyance  to  and 
from  the  water's  edge.  For  the  quick  communications 
by  posts  and  stages,  even  with  the  most  remote  parts 
of  the  union,  we  are  indebted  to  the  horse.  Even 
our  happy  republican  government  has  been  established, 
protected,  defended,  and  administered,  by  the  means 
and  aid  of  these  noble  animals.  Men  of  every  pro- 
fession, must  all  acknowledge  the  benefit  derived 
from  him;  indeed  he  has  been  the  very  spring  oi 
punctuality  and  attention  to  business  of  almost  every 
description.  The  horse,  in  his  mature,  is  mild,  patient, 
forgiving,  and  affectionate.  After  being  hard  used, 
half  starved,   and   unmerclfi'  v   beaten,   who    recoi- 


PREFACE. 


lects  ever  to  iiave  seen  him  appear  to  feel  the  injury, 
pout  over  his  scanty  allovi^ance,  or  discover  hatred 
towards  his  cruel  master?    View  his  gentleness  ana 
kindness  to  a  sot,  who  has  indulged  too  long  over  his 
glass,  often  bending,  turning  and  yielding  to  his  giddy 
head ;  and  finally,  when  he  is  prostrated  in  the  dust, 
now  often  does  the  sagacious  animal,  when  compelled 
to  tread  on  him,  bear  lightly  and  tenderly  ;  and  when 
loose,  appear  unwilling  to  leave  the  helpless  drunkard  ; 
how  often   on  his  back  are  we  conveyed  in  safety 
at  night  amidst  difficulties,  dangers,  and  unfamiliar 
roads  ?    And  where  is  the  traveller  that  does  not  re- 
collect that  when  returning  on  his   journey,  and  in 
search  of  his  home,  when  a  road  before  unnoticed, 
had  bewildered  and  stopped  his  progress,  how  readily 
and  how  faithfully  has  the  horse  thrown  his  ears  to- 
wards the  right  road,  and  with  quickening  steps  dis 
covered  his  eagerness  to  reach  his  home  ?   See  him  in 
the  race,  resolute,  eager,  and  delighted,  swelling  every 
vein,  and  exerting  every  muscle  and  fibre  to  win  the 
prize.     Behold  him  in  the  field  of  battle,  furious,  in  • 
trepid,  and  full  of  fire,  forgetful  of  danger,  rushing  on 
the  point  of  the  bayonet,  delighting  in  the  glittering 
of  arms,  and  panting  for  victory.     View  him  in  the 
civil  and  more  happy  circles  of  domestic  life,  in  the 
service  of  the  rich,  the  liberal,  and  the  happy,  proudly 
arid  smoothlv  rollino^  behind  him  the  rattlino:  chariot 

•I  CD  I  O 

wheels,  with  an  aspect  lively,  gay,  and  cheerful.  II 
to  an  animal  like  this,  I  can  be  the  cause  of  adding  to 
his  comfort,  improving  his  condition,  making  him  fat, 
relieving  his  pain,  removing  disease,  and  sometimes 
save  life,  I  shall  feel  as  if  I  had  rendered  a  service  to 
ilie  community  at  large,  and  performed  a  pari  oi  Hie 
task  assigned  me. 


6  PREFACE. 

When  the  reader  reflects  that  a  Jarge  volume  has 
been  written  on  the  anatomy  of  the  horse's  foot  alone, 
he  will  easily  conceive  my  confined,  embarrassed,  and 
cramped  situation;  having  to  treat  of  so  many  differ- 
ent parts  and  subjects,  within  the  scope  of  two  hun- 
dred pages.  In  doing  of  this,  it  will  be  impossible  for 
me  to  give  more  than  the  skeleton  or  bare  outline  orl' 
Lhe  interesting  theme,  which  I  hope,  at  some  future 
day,  will  be  filled  up  and  completed  by  some  more 
fortunate  genius. 

THE  AUTHOR. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS, 


TO 


MASON  S  FARRIER. 


Appendix  to  Mason,     Page  195 

Addenda  to  Mason,  289 

Age,  72 

by  feeling,  76 

Breeding  and  raising,  29 

do.  do.  by  Broadnax    34 

Blooded  horse,  to  chooset         37 

Blaze  or  star  79 

Body  81 

Broken  wind  98 

Bots  or  grubs  118 

Bruises  132 

Big  head  140 

Blisters  153 

Bleeding  157 

Carriage  horses  19 

Castrating  colts  60 

Crib  biting  97 

Chest  founder  100 

Colds  150 

Colic  or  Gripes              '  il3 

Clyster  or  glyster  154 

Docking  59 
Diseases,  infectious  to  prev.  126 

Diarrhoea  or  purging  151 

Diabetes  152 

Driving  158 

Excessive  fatigue  65 

Eyes,  good  and  bad  86 

■  ■       moon  92 

Foxing  58 

Fattening  63 

Founder,  chest  lOO 

Founder  110 

Farcy  105 

Fistula  145 

Fomentations  155 

Galls,  wind  104 

Gravel  in  the  bladder  124 

in  the  hoofs  128 

Glyster  or  clyster  154 

Head  80 

Heels,  narrow  101 

Hoofs  85 

gravel  in  128 

Hidebound  137 

Hooks  or  Haws  121 

Hinny  and  Mule             ^  159 
Infe<3tiou8  diseases  to  prev't    126 


Journey,  treatment  on  Page    6is 

Keeping  23 

Legs  82 

Lampass  103 

Lock  Jaw  148 

Lost  appetite  149 

Marks  78 

Mane  and  tail  85 

Moon  Eyes  92 

Mange  137 

Mash  156 

Mules    .  159 

Narrow  heels  101 

Neck  and  shoulders  82 

Nicking                        '  48 

Ostler  45 

Pricking  58 

Poll  evil  146 

Purging  or  Diarrhoea  151 

Race  horse  22 

rider  28 

Horses,  English  mode 

of  management,  &-c.         39 

Ring  bone  110 

Saddle  horse  13 

Stables  46 

Star  or  Blaze  79 

Shoeing  83 

Starting  93 

Stumbling  95 

Spavin  96 
String  halt                            '     99 

Splint  102 

Scratches  117 

Strangles  123 
Stone  or  gravel  in  bladder     124 

Strains  133 

Staggers  134 

Surfeit  138 

Sore  tongue  140 

Saddle  galls  150 

Sitfasts  151 

Spot  a  white  horse  157 

Treatment  on  a  jourqej  68 

Wind  broken  98 

Wind  galls  104 

Wounds  123 

Wall's  receipt  158 

Yellow  water  125 


CONTENTS  OF  APPENDIX. 

HCrThe  following  are  Numbered  instead  of  being  Paged. 


Alterative  medicine  for  live 

stock  No.  129 

Astringent  medicines  for  live 

stock  131 

Balls  and  drinks,  mode  ot 

giving  to  horses  111 

Balls,  cordial  cough,  &c.  used 

in  Veterinary  practice         147 
Belly,  diseases  of  39 

Bladder,  inflammation  of         62 

in  cattle  193 

Bloody  urine  in  horses  63 

Blistering  •         118 

'  Sweating  of  Liquid     120 

Bleeding  126 

Blisters  used  in  Veterinary 

Pharmacopojia  138 

Blood  or  bog  spavin  89 

Bloody  ray  (see  dysentery)  196 
Blown  or  hove  in  cattle  187 
Blast  or  hove  in  sheep  220 

Blood  rot  in  do.  222 

Bowels,  inflammation  of  45 

Bone  spavin  and  splints  87 

Braxy  or  dysentery  in  cattle  196 

in  sheep  224 

Broken  wind  37 

Bridle  sores  26 

Broken  knees  85 

Catarrhal  fever  in  horses  13 

Capulet  of  the  hock  in  do.  81 
Canker  or  quitter  in  do.  106 

Castration,  nicking,  docking 

and  cropping  125 

Castrating  lambs,  &c.  241 

• swine  243 

Catarrh  or  influenza  in  cattle  177 
Cattle  surgery  201 

obstetrics      ^  204 

vermin  on  209 

Calves,  diseases  of  207 

Calving  205 

Chronic  cough  36  and  218 

Clysiers  used  in  Veterinary 

Medicine  143 

Claveau,  or  sheep  pox  •  214 

Clystering  122 

Condition  of  horses  2 

Cou[rh,  cluonic  36 

— iw  siieev;  2^8 


Colic,  red  or  enteritis         No.  45 

,  fret  or  gullion  53 

,  in  horn  cattle   189  and  194 

Corns  in  the  feet  of  horses      101 

Cracks  95 

Cud,  loss  of  198 

Cutting  in  feet  of  horses         108 

Curb  of  the  hock  in  horses       92 

Cutting  and  spaying  pigs         243 

Daisy  or  turning  in  cattle      199 

Diseases  of  horses,  see  horse 

Diseases  in  feet  of  horses         96 

Founder  98 

Contraction  99 

Pumiced  foot  100 

Corns  101 

Burning  thrush        103 

Sand  Cracks  104 

Pricks  105 

Quittor  and  canker  106 

Treads  107 

Cutting  108 

Diarrhoea  or  looseness  52 

■ in  cattle    195 

Diseases  of  sheep  210 

swine  242 

Diuretic  used  in  Veterinary 

Medicine  151 

Diseases  of  horn'd  cattle  173,  183 
Diabetes,  profuse  staling  or 

pissing  evil  64 

Drinks  and  balls,  mode  of 

giving  in  Vet.  Surgery  111 
Drinks  in  Vet.  medicine  149 
Dysenteric  inflammation  49 

Dysentery  or  braxy  in  cattle  196 

in  sheep     224 

Dogs,  diseases  of  244 


Asthma 

Sore  eyes 

Cb.ncer 

Colic 

Cough 

Distemper 

Fits 

Inflamed  bowels 

Inflamed  lungs 

Madness 

Wj^y-niing  whelps 

Miinge  263-  V^orms 


245 
248 
249 
250 
251 
252 
2.54 
255 
256 
257 
262 
264 


CONTENTS  OF  APPENDIX. 


9 


Embrocations  used  in  Ve- 

tcrin.ary  practice  No.  154 
Epidemic  fever  or  pest  15 
Epilepsy  17 
Ey»s,  horses,  diseases  of  18 
Farcy,  74 
Feet,  founder  of  96 
Fetlock,  strains  of  the  83 
Fever  in  horned  cattle  174&183 
Fever  medicine,  used  in  ve- 
terinary practice  157 
Fistulous  withers  28 
Firing  121 
Fret,  colic  gripes  or  gullion  54 
Flux,  slimy,  see  dysentery 
Frontal  worms  in  sheep  236 
Fomentations  in  veterinary 

surgery  113 
Founder  of  the  feet  96 
Foot  stoppings  for  horses  166 
Foul  in  the  foot  in  cattle  202 
Foot  rot  in  sheep  232 
Fumigations  used  in  veteri- 
nary practice  157 
Gall  in  sheep  224 
Gid  in     do.  233 
Goggles  in  do.  233 
Glanders  71 
Glanderous  rot  in  sheep  217 
Grease  93 
Gravel  and  stone  in  horses  65 
Gripes,  colic,  fret  or  gullion  53 
Gutta  serena  20 
Gullion,  colic,  gripes  or  fret  53 
HoRSEiS,  diseases  of  1 
In  and  out  of  con- 
dition,   and    when 
diseased.                   2,  3,  4 
Inflanmiatory  diseases     5 
Diseases  of  the  head  1 7 
Neck  28 
Chest  31 
Skin  66 
Glandera  and  farcy  71 
Diseases  of  the   ex- 
tremi-irg  76 
Diseaaes  o'the  Feet  96 
Hepatitis  or  yellows  58 
riide  bound  70 
Hoof  Liquid   for  veterinary 

practice  162 

H«>ve  or  blown  'p  cattle  187 

Q.orn  distemper  or  horn  ail  2U8 


Hove  blast  or  wind  colic  Ir 

sheep  No.  220 

Hogs,  see  swine 

Hydatids  or  staggers  in  she>3p  223 
Inflammatory  fever  in  horse 
diseases  5 

General    6 
Local       7 
Inflammation  of  the  brain  or 

phrenitis  8 

Inflammatory  fever  in  horse 
diseases,  general  33 

local  7 

Influenza  or  catarrh  fever  in 

horses  13 

Inflammation  of  the  lungs  in 
horses  31 

in  cattle  184 

Inflammation,  of  the  bowels     45 

of  the  liver         58 

in  sheep  222 

Incontinence  of  urine  63 

Influenza  or  catarrh  177 

Inflammation  of  the  stomach 

in  cattle  -185,  189 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys 

or  red  water  191 

Inflammation  of  the  bladder  193 
Jaundice  in  sheep  223 

Knees  broken,  in  horses  85 

Lampass  or  mouth  disease       25 
Lambs,  castration  of  241 

diseases  of  238 

Liver,  chronic  inflammation  of  58 

,  diseases  of  in  horses        58 

Lockjaw,  in  horses  11 

Looseness  or  diarrhoea  52 

Lungs,  inflammation  of  31 

Malignant  fever  in  horses        15 
Madness,  canine  257 

Mange  66 

in  Dogs  263 

Mallenders  and  sallenders  S4 
Malignant  epidemic  or  mur- 
rain in  sheep  21b 
Megrims  17 
Morfounder  or  cctairhal  fe- 
ver in  horses  13 
Moon  blindness  or  opthalmia  19 
Mineral  poison  40 
Murrain  or  pest                           1« 

in  cattle  179 

Murrain  in  sheep  21  f 


10 


CONTENTS  OF  APPENDIX- 


Neck,  diseases  of  No,  28,  30 

Opthalmia  or  blindness  19 

Ointments  used  for  horses, 
cattle,  sheep,  &,c.  by  Vete- 
*  rinary  practitioners  169 

Obstetrics  in  cattle  204 

Overreach   or   tread  in  the 

feet  107 

Pest  or  murrain  15 

Peripneumonia  or  inflamed 

lungs  in  sheep  217 

Pendro,  a  disease  in  sheep  233 
Pinning  do.  in  do.  226 
Pharmacopoeia  in  horses  and 

cattle  128 

Poll  Evil  21 

Poison,  mineral  40 

,  vegetable  42 

,  in  sheep  239 

Poultices  in  Veter.  surgery  115 
Pneumonia  or  inflammation 

of  the  lungs  34 

Physicking  123 

Process  124 

Pricks  in  the  feet  105 

Pumiced  foot  100 

Purging  medicine  in  Veteri- 
nary practice  163 
Puckeridge  or  wornals  in 

cattle  203 

Pigs,  see  swine 
Quitter  and  canker  in  the 

feet  of  horses  106 

Salivation  41 

Sand  cracks  104 

Sallenders  and  mallenders  84 
Setons  116 

Scalding  mixture  for  poll 

evil  165 

Scouring  or  diarrhoea  in  horn- 
ed cattle  195 
Scour  in  sheep  224 
Scab  or  shab  in  sheep  231 
Sheep,  diseases  of  210 
Sore  throat  28 
Staggers  ia  horses           9  and  43 

in  cattle  199 

Staggers  in  sheep  ^      233 

Sturdy  *  17 

in  sheep  233 

Strangles,  vives  or  ives  22 

Stranguary  or  suppression  of 
urine  63 


Stone  or  gravei  in  horses  No.  66 
Stomach  staggers  43 
,  inflammation  of 

in  sheep  219 

Strain  in  the  shoulder  76 

,  in  the  whirl  bone  78 

,  in  the  stifle  80 

,  in  the  back  sinews  81 

,  of  the  leg  82 

,  of  the  fetlock  and  cof- 

fin  joints  83 

Shoulder  strains  in  horses  76 
Splints  and  bone  spavins  8C 

Spavin,  blood  and  bog  89 

Skin,  diseases  of  in  horses  65 
Surfeit  67 

Surgery  in  cattle  199 

Swelled  neck  30 

Swine,  diseases  of  242 

,  cutting  and  spaying  243 

Tag-belt  in  sheep  226 

Tetanus  or  locked  jaw  in 

horses 

in  cattle 
Teeth 

Throat,  diseases  of 
Thick  wind  or  pneumonia 
Thoroughpin  or  blood  spavin 
Treads  or  overreach  in  the 

feet 
Ticks  in  sheep,  to  destroy 
Turnsick,  in  horses 

,  in  sheep 

Urinary  organs  of  horses, 

diseases  of 
Urine,  suppression  of 

bloody  or  stranguary 

incontinence  of 

Veterinary   operations 


11 

200 
27 
29 
34 

89 

107 

240 

17 

233 

60 
63 
63 
63 


on 


horses  109 

Veterinary  Pharmacopoeia      127 
Vives  or  ives  24 

Vermin  on  cattle  209 

Warbles  68 

Warts  69 

Wash  medicines  used  by  ve- 
terinary practitioners 
Wind  broken  or  pneumonia 
Whirl  bone  strains 
Worms  in  horses 

in  sheep         236  and  237 

Wounds,  treatment  of  110 

Wornals  or  puckeridge  205" 


167 
37 
78 
57 


CONTEXTS  OF  APPENDIX. 


n 


Worm  under  the  horn,  a  dis- 
ease in  sheep,  No.  233 
Watery  head  in  sheep  233 
Wind  colic  in  do.                     221 


Yellows  or   liver  complaint 

No.  58 

,  hot,  in  cattle  190  and  19* 

in  sheeo  22i<, 


,v 


I'HE 

POCKET  FARRIER. 

SADDLE  HORSE.     ' 

When  a  horse  is  purchased  for  the  saddle  aiono,  a 
IS  to  be  presumed  he  must  be  clear  of  all  defects, 
strike  the  fancy,  entirely  please  the  eye,  and,  from  nis 
happy  symmetry  and  due  proportion  of  form,  stano 
the  second  beauty  in  the  world.  When  this  is  the 
case,  he  is  seldom  disposed  of  at  too  high  a  price. — 
Amongst  the  great  number  of  people  in  the  Uniteo'' 
States,  I  am  induced  to  believe,  there  are  but  few- 
good  judges  of  a  horse  calculated  for  the  saddle  In- 
deed, they  are  better  informed  upon  almost  apy  othei 
subject  that  can  be  mentioned.  Yet  the  Virgmians 
have  a  large  number  of  line  horses,  and  are  accused 
of  devoting  too  much  attention  to  that  beautiful  ani- 
mal. Among  all  the  difficulties  attending  the  affairs 
of  common  jfor  there  is  not,  perhaps,  a  greater  than 
that  of  choosing  a  beautiful,  an  elegant,  or  good  horse. 
Nor  v^ill  this  appear  strange,  when  we  consider  the 
number  of  circumstances  that  are  to  be  taken  mt(j 
consideration,  with  regard  to  shape,  size,  movements, 
limbs,  marks,  eyes,  colour,  age,  &c.  &c. — which  are 
so  various  that  it  would  fill  a  volume  to  describe;  and 
indeed  the  best  judges  are  often  obliged  to  content 
themselves  with  guessing  at  some  things,  unless  they 
have  sufficient  time  to  make  a  thorough  trial.  If  J 
were  asked,  wnat  were  the  two  most  beautiful  objeofs 


14  SADDLE  HORSE. 

in  nature,  I  would  answer,  that  woman,  loveiy  woman, 
before  whose  charms  the  soul  of  man  bows  with  re- 
verence and  submission,  stands  unparalleled ;  next  to 
this  matchless  paragon,  9  beautiful  horse  displaj^s 
nature  in  her  highest  polisii  and  greatest  perfection ; 
-his  gay  and  cheerful  appearance,  proudly  prancing 
and  bounding,  his  elegance  of  shape,  smoothness  of 
limbs,  polish  of  skin,  due  proportion  of  form,  and 
gracefulness  of  action,  united  to  a  mild,  soft,  faithful, 
and  patient  disposition,  raise  him  far  above  the  rest  of 
ihe  brute  creation.  I  shall  now  proceed  to  lay  down 
some  rules,  and  to  give  some  hints,  for  the  examina- 
tion of  a  horse  previous  to  a  purchase  being  made,  to 
prevent  the  liberty  of  exaggeration,  which  is  too  fre- 
quently taken  by  dealers  in  those  animals,  and  which 
too  often  terminates  to  the  serious  injury  of  the  pur- 
chaser. 

It  is  to  be  much  lamented,  that  men  who  entertain 
a  proper  idea  of  honour  in  all  the  common  affairs  of 
hfe,  so  soon  as  they  become  the  owner  of  a  horse, 
feel  at  liberty,  without  being  sensible  of  doing  violence 
to  their  morals,  to  knock  off  two  or  three  years  from 
his  real  age,  and  express  themselves,  with  apparent 
delight,  of  services,  gaits,  and  qualities,  to  which  he 
never  had  any  sort  of  claim  or  pretention ;  carefully 
keeping  a  secret  every  vice  and  defect  to  which  he  is 
subject.  I  do  not  pretend  to  say  this  is  the  case  with 
all  who  exchange  or  sell  a  horse,  but  that  it  has  often 
o(*curred  no  person  will  deny.  If  a  fraud  can  be  prac- 
tised at  all,  it  is  sufficient  reason  for  the  inexperienced 
and  unsuspecting  to  be  placed  on  their  guard.  When 
a  horse  is  offered  for  sale,  I  would  advise  the  pur- 
chaser to  ask  one  question,  viz :  Is  he  in  all  respects 
perfectly  sound?  Should  a  cheat  be  practised  on  you, 
under  such  circumstances,  an  action  would  lie  again?l 


SADDLE  HORSE.  15 

the  seller,  and  damages  could  be  recoverable ;  but  be 
your  own  judge,  not  permitting  any  declaration  tha't 
may  be  made  by  the  seller,  to  alter  your  opinion  ol 
form,  age,  condition,  movements,  action,  &;c.  As 
the  eyes  of  a  horse  are  the  most  important  organ,  first* 
let  him  undergo  a  strict  examination;  ascertain  his 
age,  examine  his  figure  and  action;  guarding  yourself 
against  being  too  much  pleased  or  fascinated  with  the 
appearance  of  a  new  object;  view  his  feet  and  legs; 
large  ridges  on  the  hoofs,  or  very  flat  feet,  discover  a 
horse  to  be  subject  to  founder :  large  gouty  legs,  with 
enlarged  tendons  indicate  strains  and  other  injuries, 
examine  his  hind  legs,  with  great  attention,  just  below 
the  hock  and  inside  the  hind  knee;  if  there  is  any 
unnatural  prominence  or  knot,  unlike  the  other  knee,  it 
wears  the  appearance  of  a  spavin,  which  renders  a 
horse  of  but  little  value.  Splint,  which  appears  on  the 
inside  of  the  fore  legs,  and  wind-galls,  upon  the  ancles, 
are  unpleasant  to  the  eye,  but  seldom  produce  serious 
lameness ;  they  furnish  plain  proof  that  a  horse  has 
been  serviceable,  and  are  very  seldom  productive  of 
any  other  injury  than  stiffness,  as  he  advances  in  years. 
Ride  yourself,  for  the  purpose  of  trying  his  gaits  and 
qualities;  as  a  rider  accustomed  to  a  horse,  by  private 
signs,  such  as  manner  of  riding,  bearing  on  the  bit, 
leaning  forward  or  backward,  holding  the  heels  close 
to  his  sides,  &c.  &;c.  &c.,  can  make  a  dull  horse  appear 
gay  and  spirited,  a  wild  horse  gentle,  a  stumbler  clear 
footed,  one  that  is  blind  appear  to  see,  and  a  starting 
horse  free  from  that  great  objection,  &c.  &c  Before 
mounting  him,  examine  his  knees,  to  discover  if  they 
are  skinned,  the  hair  off,  or  scarred;  those  are  strong 
symptoms  of  his  politeness  to  a  fault.  Ride  with  your 
bridle  loose  over  any  uneven  ground :  if  he  is  in  the  ' 
habil  of  stumbling,  he  will  very  readily  inform  you- 
2*  B 


16  SADDLE  HORSE. 

ihen  ap^jroach  some  object  offensive  to  the  sight;  if 
he  appears  much  alarmed,  stopping  suddenly,  and 
attempting  to  turn  round,  paying  but  little  respect  to 
the  bearing  of  the  bridle,  you  may  judge  he  has  been 
long  in  the  habit  of  that  bad  practice.  Ride  him  in 
all  his  different  gaits,  to  ascertain  if  they  are  smooth, 
easy,  and  agreeable  ;  move  him  about  a  mile,  out  and 
back,  in  fully  half  speed;  frequently  stopping  him 
suddenly  to  try  his  w^ind,  also  if  he  is  spavined;  if  his 
wind  has  been  injured,  he  will  blow  unnaturally; 
making  a  loud  wheezing  noise,  with  great  difficulty 
of  breathins:.  While  warm,  ride  him  in  cold  water 
above  the  belly ;  after  which  let  him  cool  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes,  and  if  he  is  spavined,  and  has  received 
temporary  relief,  by  applications  of  any  kind,  the 
disease  will  make  its  appearance  so  plain,  that  you 
will  discover  evident  marks  of  lameness.  The  spavin 
IS  often  relieved  for  a  time;  and  in  a  few  instances 
has  been  permanently  cured,  by  blistering,  bathing 
with  double  distilled  spirits,  &c.  Tne  brisk  exercise, 
&c.  is  intended  tq  bring  on  a  return  of  its  eliec  is,  [:. 
case  the  animal  should  have  had  temporary  relief  from 
that  distressing  disease. 

Having  given  such  hints  as  I  am  persuaded  will 
lead  to  the  discovery  of  any  material  defects  in  a  horse 
about  to  be  purchased,  I  shall  now  proceed  to  the 
description  of  a  horse  that  I  consider  elegant  and  fil 
^br  the  saddle. 

In  order  that  he  may  have  just  claim  to  beauty  and 
elegance,  his  head  must  be  small,  thin,  bony,  and 
tapering;  his  countenance  lively  and  cheerful;  his 
ears  quick  of  action,  high,  erect,  narrow,  thin,  and 
pomting  togethei ;  nis  eyes  kirge,  round,  full,  and  black- 
sparkling  with  cheerfulness,  yet  hushing  his  agitating 
passions  into  order  and  obedience;  his  nostrils  large 


SADDLE  HORSE.  11 

nnd  expanded,  and  when  in  motion,  disclosing  a  deep 
red  colour ;  his  brow  and  forehead  smooth,  and  noi 
too  flat ;  his  nose  somewhat  rising,  of  good  turn,  and 
a  little  inclined  to  the  Roman  shape  ;  his  neck  long, 
thin,  delicate,  and  arched,  forming  a  beautiful  grada- 
tion from  the  breast  and  shoulders  ;  his  mane  half  the 
width  of  his  neck,  thin  and  smooth  ;  his  shoulders  high 
tapering,  and  thrown  well  back  ;  his  breast  plump,  full, 
and  of  moderate  width ;  his  fore  legs  straight,  flat, 
sinewy,  and  thin  ;  his  arms  large  and  muscular  ;  his 
back  short,  and  not  too  much  swayed  for  strength  and 
durability,  but  pretty  even  and  straight ;  his  body 
rather  round  and  swelling  than  flat,  and  of  propor- 
tionable size  ;  his  flanks  plump  and  full,  and  the  last 
nh  approaching  near  the  hip  bones ;  his  hips  and  but- 
tocks full,  round,  and  well  covered  with  muscles ;  his 
chine  broad ;  his  tail  well  placed,  and  naturally  or 
artificially  elegant,  which  adds  much  to  his  figure  and 
gay  appearance  ;  his  thighs  long,  from  the  hip  to  the 
naunch  bone  large  and  bulging  with  muscles ;  his 
hocks  broad,  sinewy,  bony,  and  clear  of  pufls  ;  his  hind 
legs  from  the  hocks  short,  bending  a  little  rather  than 
straight,  flat,  and  sinewy  ;  fiis  pasterns  *"  moderate 
.ength,  small  and  bony  ;  his  hoofs  cupped,  small,  rouna. 
9.nd  smooth ;  his  hind  parts  not  tucked,  but  of  easy 
turn  and  graceful  slope  ;  when  mounted  his  appearance 
should  be  bold,  lofty,  and  majestic ;  his  eyes  shinmg 
with  intrepidity  and  fire  ;  his  movements  light  and 
any  as  a  phantom,  with  a  fairy  step,  that  would 
seal cely  break  a  dew  drop;  his  actions  smooth  and 
graceful  ;  his  colour  should  suit  the  taste  of  the  pu'- 
chaser,  though  a  mahogany  bay  is  certainly  the  besi 
•colour  ;  his  marks  large,  of  irregular  white,  to  light  up 
^he  countenance,  and  at  least  two  white  legs,  which 
will  add  much  to  his  beauty — though  it  must  '*e  sv 


J  8  SADDLE  HORSE. 

knowledged,  that  all  parts  of  a  horse  that  are  white, 
are  much  more  tender  than  any  other  colour.  When 
a  horse  is  rode  by  any  person  for  you  to  judge  of  his 
gaits,  you  should  have  him  moved  towards  you,  from 
you,  and  finally  by  you,  as  you  may  have  the  oppor- 
tunity of  discovering,  if  there  is  any  turning  in  and  out 
about  his  knees  and  ancles,  before  or  behind,  which  is 
very  objectionable.  A  well  shaped  horse  will  track 
as  true,  or  his  legs  will  follow  each  other  in  as  direct  a 
line,  as  the  wheels  of  a  well  constructed  carriage. — 
For  him  to  be  considered  a  good  riding  horse,  he 
should  move  with  ease  to  himself,  and  pass  over  the 
ground  with  great  rapidity.  Hard  steps,  short  going, 
and  great  apparent  labour,  is  offensive  to  the  sight, 
unpleasant  to  the  rider,  and  fatiguing  to  the  horse  him- 
self. With  respect  to  the  colour  of  horses,  people 
differ  very  widely  ;  a  black  horse,  with  white  face  and 
legs ;  a  grey,  or  a  mahogany  bay,  with  white  marks, 
when  w^ell  kept,  are  all  showy  colours  ;  but  for  actual 
service,  experience  has  proved,  that  dark  colours, 
without  any  white  feet,  are  far  preferable  ;  for  who 
ever  recollects  to  have  seen  a  black,  sorrel,  or  bay 
horse,  with  a  bald  face  and  four  white  legs,  distinguish 
himself  on  the  turf,  in  four  mile  heats  ?  I  am  inclined 
to  believe  there  is  no  first  rate  race  horse,  of  that  de- 
scription, w^ithin  the  United  States. 

I  have,  perhaps,  stated  some  facts  relative  to  horse 
)0cke3^s,  in  a  manner  so  plain  and  candid,  as  to  draw 
from  them  their  displeasure.  My  object  is  not  to 
offend,  but  to  instruct  and  be  useful  to  those  who  want 
experience  on  the  suDject,  for  which  this  little  book  is 
designed 

The  annexea  engraving  (See  Frontispiece)  presents 
mv  idea  of  an  eJcgant  saddle  horse;  by  a  refercrxe  t« 


CARllIAGE  HORSES.  10 

which,  the  judgment  of  a  purchaser  will  not  oiiK  oc 
benefited,  but  meet  with  considerable  support. 


'-M*9^9««> 


CARRIAGE  HORSES. 

Horses  intended  for  a  carriage  or  draft  of  any 
description,  should  be  from  five  feet  to  five  feet  four 
inches  high;  though  there  are  many  excellent  and 
truly  valuable  dr^ft  horses  of  much  smaller  size.  The 
greatest  attention  should  be  paid  to  their  habits,  temper, 
quality,  and  disposition.  A  horse  that  has  been  once 
frightened  in  harness,  never  again  is  safe  for  tha* 
employment.  So  retentive  are  their  memories,  that 
they  do  not  forget  an  alarm  of  that  kind  during  their 
whole  lives.  For  the  want  of  experience  on  this  subject, 
horses  that  have  been  frightened  in  harness  have  been 
hitched  to  carriages,  which  too  often  has  been  the 
cause  of  the  untimely  death  of  many  amiable  females 
and  helpless  children.  Indeed,  a  pair  of  good  and  well 
matched,  gentle  carriage  horses,  is  rarely  to  be  met 
with;  as  so  many  good  qualities,  together  with  a 
similarity  of  age,  colour,  size,  and  marks,  is  required  to 
make  them  complete  and  valuable.  Their  eyes  should 
be  good,  carriage  lofty,  bodies  proportionaoly  large, 
breasts  full  and  wide,  their  whole  bodies  heavily 
muscled;  their  heads,  necks,  and  ears  delicate;  their 
iCgs  large,  sinewy,  and  bony ;  their  pasterns  short,  and 
their  hoofs  moderately  large,  and  not  too  flat.  They 
should  be  fre**  from  starting,  stumbling,  and  kicking? 


iO  CARRIAGE  HORSES. 

and  meir  dispositions  patient,  gentle,  and  obedient. 
[t  very  often  happens  tliat  horses  are  kept  together  as 
ft  match,  on  account  of  their  colour  and  similarity  of 
marks,  when  no  respect  is  paid  to  their  difference  of 
form,  spirit,  and  movements,  which  often  differ  as 
widely  as  the  mettled  racer  from  the  dull  cart  horse 
When  thus  badly  matched,  they  would  very  soon 
be  separated  by  a  good  judge,  and  nothing  short  of 
necessity  should  ever  permit  them  to  draw  together. 
Carriage  horses  should  carry  good  tails,  naturally  or 
artificially,  which  adds  much  to  their  gay  and  elegant 
appearance ;  presenting  figures  ready,  apparently,  to 
move  upon  the  wind,  whilst  they  are  perfectly  gentle 
and  manageable.  Horses  of  different  colours,  whose 
spirit,  ifize,  and  movements  are  similar,  are  a  much 
better  match  in  harness  than  those  of  the  same  colour, 
with  three  or  four  inches  difference  in  height;  or  one 
dull,  and  the  other  spirited;  one  young,  the  other  old; 
one  fat,  the  other  poor;  one  with  a  bald  face  and  white 
legs,  the  other  with  white  legs;  or  one  active,  and  the 
other  clumsy. 

I  have  thus  taken  up  the  time  of  the  reader,  to  make 
him  the  better  judge,  and  give  him  a  correct  idea  of 
a  bad  match  of  carriage  horses,  which  will  assist  him 
much  in  selecting  those  that  are  good.  After  being 
thoroughly  satisfied  about  the  shape,  age,  condition, 
&c.,  of  a  pair  of  carriage  horses  you  may  be  about  to 
pui'chase,  it  will  be  necessary,  in  justice  to  yourself 
to  try  them  in  harness;  though  the  seller  will  assure 
you  they  are  as  gentle  as  lambs,  true  as  honour,  and 
fmally,  the  best  pair  of  horses  in  the  world;  although 
It  is  possible  for  such  a  statement  to  be  a  fact,  I  would 
ad\ise  that  a  trial  should  be  made,  and  the  purchasei 
become  nis  own  judge;  for  which  purpose  have  them 
hitched  m  a  carriage,  and  driven  several  times  up  and 


CARRIAGE  HORSES.  21 

down  the  steepest  hill  that  the  road  may  cross,  which 
is  most  convenient:  if  they  have  any  tricks,  or  are  not 
true  draft  horses,  it  can  be  readily  discovered:  next, 
for  the  purpose  of  discovering  if  they  have  ever  been 
alarmed  in  harness,  frequently  open  and  shut  the  car- 
riage door,  also  move  and  rattle  the  steps ;  if  they  have 
ever  been  frightened  in  harness  you  will  very  soon  be 
compelled  to  desist;  then  by  coming  to  their  front,  and 
with  attention  observing  their  ears  and  eyes,  you  will 
be  informed  to  your  entire  satisfaction,  if  they  are  safe 
Horses  that  have  been  once  alarmed  in  harness,  so 
soon  as  they  hear  any  rattling  noise  behind  them, 
begin  to  grow  restless,  sinking  or  squatting  behind, 
holding  the  head  high,  snorting,  fetching  long  breaths, 
moving  the  ears  with  great  quickness,  at  the  same 
time  showing  the  whites  of  their  eyes.  Let  me  warn 
the  reader  against  the  purchase  of  such  horses  ;  they 
are  unfit  and  unsafe  for  the  use  of  a  family.  Horses 
for  harness,  that  are  fiery  and  fretful,  are  very  objec- 
tionable, and  should  always  be  avoided;  but  great  care 
jhould  be  taken  to  distinguish  between  animals  of  this 
description,  and  those  that  are  eager  and  spirited ;  the 
former  begin  to  prance  and  Iret  the  moment  they  are 
out  of  the  stable,  until  they  exhaust  themselves  with 
fatigue ;  but  the  latter  endeavour  only  to  be  first  in  the 
chase,  or  foremost  in  the  field,  and  are  truly  valuable ; 
possessing  those  qualities  that  resemble  prudence  and 
courage;  the  others,  intemperate  heat  and  rashness. 
Whenever  carriage  horses  are  driven,  they  should 
be  moved  off  fifteen  or  twenty  steps  in  a  slow  walk^ 
without  the  cracking  or  flourishing  of  a  whip,  which 
IS  so  much  the  custom,  and  which  is  very  frequently 
the  cause  of  high  tempered  horses  refusing  to  draw  . 
after  which  their  speed  may  be  quickened  to  whatevej 
gait  you  may  prefer,  by  the  use  of  some  kmd  word. 
3        ' 


22  RACE  HORSE. 

1.0  which  all  horses  should  be  accustomed.  It  is  \erj 
much  the  practice  with  drivers  to  leave  their  horses 
standing  in  a  carriage,  without  any  person  to  hold 
them,  for  hours  together.  Having  seen  the  worst  ot 
consequences  result  from  this  practice,  (and  with  horses 
under  the  character  of  being  gentle,)  I  would  recom 
mend  that  drivers  should  never  give  up  their  reins 
until  they  are  prepared  with  some  person  sufficiently 
strong  to  hold  them.  By  using  such  precaution,  the 
overturning  and  breaking  many  fine  carriages,  and  the 
ruioing  for  ever  many  valuable  and  elegant  carriage 
horses,  would  be  avoided. 


«9@9* 


RACE  HORSE. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  horses  run  in  all  shapes. 
But  most  generally,  those  excel  upon  the  turf,  that  are 
of  the  following  form :  head  and  neck  thin,  small,  and 
delicate;  eyes  large,  plump,  and  full  of  expression; 
nostrils  wide,  red,  and  expanded;  throttle  large; 
shoulders  high,  thin,  and  running  very  far  back ;  breast 
plump,  full,  and  wide;  body  long,  round,  and  rather 
light  than  heavy;  back  short  as  possible;  thighs  long, 
large,  full,  and  bulging;  fore  arm  large  and  swelling 
towards  his  breast ;  hocks  broad,  strong,  and  bony ; 
legs  of  moderate  size,  thin,  flat,  and  sinewy;  pasterns 
rather  long  and  small,  than  otherwise;  feet  of  propor- 
tionable size  to  the  balance  of  his  form ;  though,  of  the 
two  extremes,  small  is  the  best;  he  should  be  nervous, 
tractable,  and  of  good  spirit,  and  he  should  be  from 
five  feet  to  five  feet  four  inches  high.  Such  a  horse, 
we.i  managed,  kept  and  placed  in  races,  will  seldom 
fail  to  distinguish  himself  on  the  turf. 


KEEPIIVO.  23 


IvEEPlNG. 


The  keeping  a  horse  for  a  race  is  attended  with 
much  trouble,  and  requires  great  attention:  but  is 
more  simple  than  is  generally  believed  by  persons 
wanting  experience  on  that  subject. 

A  large  majority  of  grooms,  even  to  the  present  day 
are  in  the  habit  of  giving  to  race  horses  large  quanti- 
ties of  physic,  (though  the  number  engaged  in  tnis 
practice  has  been  diminished  within  the  last  ten  years,) 
and  for  the  sake  of  those  very  valuable  animals,  I  hope 
ere  long,  such  an  injurious  practice  will  be  entirely 
abolished.  All  the  medicine  on  earth  will  never  give 
to  a  horse  speed  and  bottom,  that  is  naturally  deficient 
in  those  respects  ;  and  if  he  is  affected  at  all  by  its  use, 
it  must  operate  to  his  disadvantage. 

The  plainest  and  simplest  mode  of  keeping  horses, 
has  proved  much  the  best,  to  all  who  have  ventured, 
in  defiance  of  old  opinions  and  customs,  to  use  that 
course.  When  a  horse  is  in  health,  the  medicine  ge- 
nerally given  by  grooms,  has  the  effect  of  relaxing 
the  muscles,  enfeebling  the  system,  and  expanding  the 
pores  of  the  skin.  I  am  clearly  of  opinion,  that  those 
large  doses,  which  are  so  often  given,  never  cause  a 
horse,  when  running,  to  fetch  a  longer  breath,  braced 
his  muscles,  added  to  the  elasticity  of  his  tendons,  in 
vigorated  his  system,  or  gave  him,  in  any  way,  extra 
powers  to  perform  the  task  assigned  him  ;  but  on  the 
contrary,  are  frequently  the  means  of  throwing  a 
horse  out  of  order,  that  in  all  probability,  under  dif- 
ferent treatment,  would  have  proved  successful,  if  not 
master  on  the  turf:  indeed,  this  has  sometimes  been 
proved  by  the  change  of  owners,  and  when  a  gooo 


•?4  KEEPING. 

fiorse  has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  one  that  has  observed, 
plain  and  simple  treatment — the  horse  that  previous  to 
ihe  change  never  was  more  than  second  or  third  best, 
has  run  with  more  than  anticipated  success. 

But  many  old  and  ignorant  grooms  who  have  never 
been  benefited  by  experience,  and  all  the  knowledge 
they  possess  have  been  handed  to  them  by  persons 
equally  ignorant  with  themselves,  are  under  a  belief, 
that  unless  a  horse  swallows  a  certain  number  of  wind 
balls,  that  it  is  impossible  he  can  win  a  race  ;  added 
to  which,  they  are  extremely  superstitious,  and  some, 
even  at  the  present  day,  confide  in  tricks  and  witch- 
craft. It  is  to  be  much  regretted  that  a  good  horse 
snouid  e  "er  fall  into  the  hands  of  such  blockheads. 

The  first  thing  necessary  in  the  keeping  a  race  horse 
:s,  a  good  log  stable,  about  fifteen  feet  square :  then 
provide  a  plenty  of  good  and  sweet  old  corn,  fodder, 
and  oats,  and  a  sufiicient  quantity  of  clean  and  dry 
straw,  to  change  his  bed  every  two  or  three  days. 

Most  horses,  when  first  taken  up  for  the  purpose  of 
being  kept,  require  bleeding ;  which  a  groom  can 
always  be  a  judge  of  from  the  appearance  of  the  ani- 
mal. Good  cloths,  girts,  &c.  should  be  provided  and 
kept  on  the  horse,  except  at  the  hours  for  rubbing, 
which  should  be  regularly  three  times  a  day  ;  in  the 
morning,  and  evening  after  practice,  and  at  twelve 
o'clock ;  for  which  purpose  a  curry-comb,  brush,  straw 
and  a  large  woollen  cloth,  must  be  provided  and  well 
used.  Good  rubbing  assists  in  putting  a  horse  in  order, 
and  places  on  his  skin  a  beautiful  gloss.  His  legs 
must  be  washed  three  times  a  day  in  clear  cold  water, 
ofter  which  they  must  be  rubbed  dry  with  straw,  and 
the  naked  hand  rubbed  over  the  ancles  and  pasterns^ 
until  a  small  degree  of  warmth  is  felt  Th3  stablo 
should  be  kept  perfectly  clean. 


KEEPING.  25 

A  ho/se  should  be  given  such  practice  as  he  is  well 
able  to  bear.  As  those  animals  frequently  differ  in 
every  respect  so  widely  from  each  other,  it  is  impos- 
sible to  lay  down  any  rule  that  should  govern,  relative 
to  the  speed  or  quantity  of  practice  necessary  for  horses 
in  training.  1  will  only  remark,  that  a  horse  should 
be  practised  in  a  moderate  gallop,  the  distance  he  is 
intended  to  be  run,  moving  briskly  every  time  he  passes 
the  stand,  and  for  a  short  distance  on  the  back  of  the 
ground:  he  then  should  be  walked  about  a  mile,  and 
again  ga Hopped  in  manner  first  directed.  Some  fleet 
and  delicate  horses  require  very  little  practice  indeed; 
while  other  hardy  and  hard  bottomed  horses  require 
and  can  bear  verv  hard  practice.  But  the  appetite  of 
a  horse  is  the  best  criterion,  as  relates  to  that  subject. 

{{ a  horse  refuses  to  eat,  it  is  an  evidence  that  his 
practice  is  either  too  hard  or  too  quick;  when  he  eats 
heartily,  it  is  a  proof  that  he  is  able  to  bear  what  is 
given  him.  When  a  horse  is  first  taken  into  keeping, 
his  allowance  for  the  first  two  or  three  davs,  should 
be  rather  short;  which  should  be  offered  four  times  a 
day.  His  exercise  should  be  walking,  for  the  first 
three  or  four  days ;  two  or  three  times  the  distance,  or 
round  the  course  of  his  (contemplated  race  ;  after  whicn 
time,  his  food  may  be  increased  with  his  exercise, 
and  he  may  be  regularly  fed  with  from  two  quarts  at  a 
feed  to  four  quarts.  His  food  should  be  often  changed 
and  prepared  thus  :  his  hommony  (Indian  corn  ground 
coarse)  should  be  first  winded,  then  thrown  into  clean 
water,  so  as  to  separate  the  part  that  is  nutritious  from 
the  husk  and  chaff;  the  oats  should  be  lightly  beaten 
m  a  common  hommony  mortar,  to  separate  them  from 
\he  hull  or  chaff,  which  may  be  blown  off;  his  fodaer 
should  be  stemmed  whenever  it  is  discovered  he  hus 


-O  KEEPING. 

'00  much  belly.  A  horse  never  should  be  drawn 
suddenly,  as  nothing  is  more  weakening. 

The  best  medicine  on  earth,  that  can  be  employed 
in  keeping  of  a  horse,  to  give  him  wind  and  bottom,  as 
the  grooms  term  it,  is  good  and  sweet  food.  A  greater 
proportion  of  old  oats,  hay,  or  hommony,  opens  the 
bowels;  and  a  large  proportion  of  fodder  and  oats, 
when  prepared  in  the  way  directed,  has  the  reverse 
effect;  so  that  by  using  food  that  actually  contains 
nourishment,  and  will  certainly  benefit  your  horse,  you 
may  place  him  in  whatever  kind  of  order  you  think 
proper,  without  using  those  medicines  which  have  a 
certain  tendency  to  weaken  and  relax  him.  About 
two  mashes  during  the  time  of  keeping,  is  very  bene- 
ficial ;  the  first  as  soon  as  you  commence  ;  the  second, 
about  eight  days  previous  to  his  running;  composed 
of  one  gallon  of  bran,  one  table  spoonful  of  flour  oi 
sulphur,  and  one  tea  spoonful  of  saltpetre.  Most 
grooms  are  in  the  habit  of  giving  one,  two,  or  three 
sweats,  during  the  time  of  keeping ;  which  method  of 
hardening  tlie  flesh  I  am  much  opposed  to.  U  a  horse 
is  too  gross,  gradually  increase  his  exercise,  which  will 
have  the  desired  effect.  Whenever  a  horse  has  to 
undergo  one  of  those  swoats,  he  is  so  much  weakened 
and  relaxed,  as  to  require  at  least  one  week  to  recovei 
his  strength.  Should  a  horse,  in  keeping,  h^se  his 
nppetite,  it  can  readily  be  restored,  by  a  single  inno- 
cent drench,  composed  of  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  cl 
asafcetida,  one  table  spoonful  of  salt,  and  one  quart  of 
sassafras  tea.  Good  food,  regular  feeding,  moderate 
exercise,  and  strict  attention  to  rubbing,  are  of  much 
more  importance  and  benefit  to  a  horse  in  keeping, 
than  the  aammistering  of  large  doses  of  physic,  which 
Ills  nature  does  not  require. 

When  a  horse  is  well  kept,  he  will  not  appear  very 


fat,  but  his  flesh  will  be  very  firm  and  hard  :  his  legs 
and  ancles  must  be  perfectly  cool,  and  not  puffed  or 
swelled  ;  his  eyes  should  be  lively,  and  countenance 
cheerful :  he  should  possess  no  bad  habits,  but  bo 
tractable,  gentle,  and  manageable ;  his  actions  smooth 
and  graceful ;  he  should  be  taught  patience  ;  and  often 
))ractised  in  starting  around  the  race  course,  never 
permitting  him  to  go  off,  until  the  word  GO  is  given. 
Many  advantages  result  hi  a  race,  to  a  horse,  being 
Droperly  broke  in  starting. 

After  a  horse  has  gone  through  his  practice,  and  has 
been  well  rubbed,  &:c.  &c.  his  feet  should  be  stuffed, 
(during  the  time  of  his  standing  in  the  stable)  with 
fresh  cow  manure,  or  clay  and  salt,  to  prevent  his 
ancles  from  swelling  or  being  heated ;  his  legs  should 
be  bathed  once  a  week,  with  equal  parts  of  old  peach 
brandy  and  fresh  butter,  or  sweet  oil  and  vinegar, 
slewed  over  the  fire  until  well  mixed,  and  applied 
warm  as  the  hand  can  bear  it. 

Whenever  a  horse  commences  his  brisk  exercise, 
the  under  part  of  his  ancles  should  be  occasionally 
greased,  to  prevent  their  cracking  and  the  scratches 
being  produced.  The  heels  of  most  young  horses 
crack,  during  their  exercise,  unless  this  precaution  is 
used ;  fresh  butter,  sweet  oil,  or  hog's  lard,  answers 
well  for  that  purpose. 

The  subject  of  keeping  horses  is  so  extensive,  thai 
to  treat  fully  on  it,  would  require  a  book  at  least  the 
size  of  this ;    the  reader,  therefore,  must  be  conten 
with  the  few  hints  and  few  pages  I  have  devotes  to 
this  subject. 


BKEEDI.N'G.  29 

Strict  and  pointed  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  orders 
given,  and  they  rigidly  adhered  to. 

A  rider  should  bear  a  little  forward,  steadily  as 
possible,  and  without  altering  the  attitude'  of  his  body, 
when  whipping,  pushing,  or  running  at  his  ease,  taking 
great  care  to  remain  steady  in  his  stirrups,  holding  his 
elbows  close,  and  his  hands  low. 

A  rider,  after  running  his  heat,  should  never  dis- 
mount, or  give  up  his  horse  to  any  other  person,  until 
it  is  his  turn  to  prove  his  weight,  and  is  directed  to 
come  to  the  stand. 


i 
THE 

BREEDING  AND  RAISING  OF  HORSES. 

The  breeding  and  raising  of  horses,  to  most  persons, 
is  a  very  amusing  and  pleasing  task;  but  it  is  attended 
with  much  trouble  and  expense,  unless  well  managed, 
and  then  it  becomes  not  only  a  subject  of  profit,  but 
is  well  worth  the  attention  of  any  person,  whose  situ- 
ation will  admit  of  it,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a 
fortune. 

The  raisinar  of  cold  blooded  or  common  horses,  is 
generally  a  disadvantage  to  any  person,  being  neithei 
interesting  or  profitable.  A  colt  three  years  old,  of 
the  above  description,  seldom  costs  the  owner  less  than 
one  hundred  and  twenty  dollars;  and  when  he  maKC? 
a  sale,  twice  out  of  three  times  that  sum  cannot  6e 
obtained;  consequently  there  is  a  loss,  independent 
of  trouble.  But  colts,  three  or  four  veais  old,  fronn, 
\he  best  stock  in  the  United  States,  of  large  size  and 
4 


BltEEDING. 


having  distinguished  themselves  on  the  turf,  have,  jju^ 
inanded  from  one  hundred  to  one  thousand  pounds;! 

By  raising  and  running  such  horses,  large  sums  ol 
money  have  been  accumulated  in  the  United  States, 
and  particularly  in  Virginia,  where  the  blood,  speed, 
and  beauty  of  horses,  are  equal  to  any  in  the  v^^orld. 

JMuch  has  been  stated  by  English  authors,  on  the 
subject  of  blood,  form,  and  speed  of  the  EngUsh  horses ; 
particularly  Dorimant,  Bay  Malton,  Eclipse,  High- 
flyer, Matchem,  Shark,  Childers,  &c.  &c.  &c.  But 
could  the  blood,  form,  speed,  and  bottom,  of  our  Ame- 
rican horses,  Brimmer,  Chanticleer,  Leviathan,  Virago, 
Surprise,  Florizel,  Potomac,  American  Eclipse,  &c. 
&c.  &c.  have  been  contrasted  w^ith  them,  I  am  induced 
to  believe  they  vi^ould  have  had  the  same  claim  to  the 
page  of  record  and  superior  performance. 

True  it  is,  that  of  Flying  Childers  it  is  stated,  that 
ne  run  a  mile  in  a  few  seconds  over  a  minute.  My 
regard  for  the  life  of  every  human  being,  particularly 
a  valuable  race  rider,  induces  me  to  wish  our  horses 
may  never  perform  the  mile  in  that  time,  though  we 
have  several  amongst  us  whose  speed  is  unknown, 
although  they  were  on  the  turf  several  years,  contending 
with  very  fine  race  horses. 

I  must  confess,  that  for  a  horse  to  run  a  mile  in  a 
minute,  or  eighty-two  and  a  half  feet  in  a  second,  (as 
stated)  surpasses  any  idea  that  I  have  entertained  of 
the  velocity  that  a  horse  was  capable  of 

In  order  to  raise  a  beautiful  and  good  racer,  a  stud 
«hould  be  made  choice  of,  that  will  be  a  good  cross,  and 
of  the  best  blood;  not  less  'than  five  feet  two,  though 
five  feet  four  inches  high,  is  a  preferable  size.  He 
should  be  well  proportioned,  elegantly  formed,  of  maho- 
gany bay  colour,  and   clear  of  all    defects,   pirticu 


BREEDING.  31 

Lilly  spavin  and  blindness :  and  should  net  only  have 
pioved  himself  in  possession  of  speed  on  the  tuif,  Dui 
bottom  also  ;  and  should  be  a  sure  foal  getter. 

A  mare  should  be  made  choice  of,  not  less  than  five 
feet  high,  with  a  delicate  head  and  neck,  great  lenfrth 
of  body,  large  belly,  and  above  all  other  things,  one 
that  has  proved  herself,  by  her  colts,  to  be  a  good 
breeder. 

When  you  commence  breeding  with  a  mare  of  this 
kind,  you  are  almost  certain  of  raising  a  valuable  colt. 
But  when  you  commence  with  one  untried,  you  run  a 
great  risk  of  losing  time  and  raising  a  horse  of  the 
120  dollar  price,  unless  the  mare,  or  stock  from  which 
she  originated,  was  first  rate  and  remarkable  for  their 
fine  colts.  Indeed  there  appears  to  be  the  same  simi- 
larity in  the  blood  of  horses  that  exist  in  men,  as 
respects  their  good  and  bad  qualities,  shape,  &c.  &c. 
We  find  vice  common  throughout  some  families,  while 
we  see  virtue  reigning  in  others.  One  breed  of  horses, 
under  every  care  and  attention,  will  only  raise  you  a 
coarse  horse  or  pony ;  whilst  good  blooded  horses, 
even  half  starved  and  under  every  disadvantage,  will 
show  strong  marks  of  beauty,  activity,  and  size  ;  and 
after  winning  from  his  master  kind  treatment,  often 
becomes  the  champion  of  the  turf.  I  have  known 
several  first  rate  race  horses  that  were  once  plough 
and  draft  horses. 

A  brood  mare,  that  has  produced  one  or  two  good 
racers,  from  a  good  cross,  in  all  probability  will,  at 
any  time  produce  one,  when  under  similar  advantages. 
When  a  colt  is  foaled  early  in  the  spring,  he  will  be 
under  every  benefit  that  can  be  derived  from  size 
strength,  and  age  ;  consequently,  it  would  be  advisable 
to  put  a  mare  to  horse  at  such  time  as  would  produce 
«  colt  about  the  fifteenth  or  twentieth  of  April.     A 


I 


32  BREEDING. 

mare  generally  goes  with  foal  eleven  months  and  as 
many  days  as  she  is  years  old.  A  colt  foaled  in  April, 
when  three  years  old  would  have  to  carry  no  more 
weight  in  a  race  field  than  one  foaled  in  August ;  which 
would  give  to  the  one  first  foaled  a  difference  of  three 
months  of  age,  and  of  equal  blood  and  under  similar 
.advantages.  The  one  first  foaled  ought  very  certainly 
to  prove  best  on  the  turf,  from  three  to  seven  years  old 

After  your  mare  has  been  put  to  the  horse  of  youi 
choice,  she  should  not  be  confined  during  her  preg- 
nancy,  but  a  house  or  shed  about  twelve  feet  square, 
should  be  built  for  the  purpose  of  sheltering  her  from 
the  rain  or  bad  weather ;  the  south  side  of  this  house 
should  be  left  entirely  open,  so  that  the  mare  might 
come  in  or  go  out  at  pleasure  :  and  a  manger  and  rack 
should  be  confined  in  it  for  the  purpose  of  feeding.  A 
good  bed  of  straw,  and  that  frequently  changed,  will 
add  much  to  her  comfort,  and  she  will  be  induced  to 
sleep  under  the  shelter  if  the  litter  is  kept  clean. — 
Adjoining  this  house  there  should  be  a  lot,  enclosed 
with  post  and  railing,  containing  from  one  to  four 
acres  of  ground,  clear  of  snags,  grubs,  and  stumps  ;  in 
which  the  mare  should  be  confined  about  two  oi  three 
weeks  previous  to  her  foaling :  she  will  then  be  con- 
venient to  assistaiK:e,  should  any  be  necessary. 

Mares  frequently  produce  colts  at  fourteen  or  fifteen 
years  of  age,  and  sometimes  twenty  ;  but  from  five  to 
twelve  years  of  age,  from  experiments  made,  appears 
to  be  the  most  valuable  part  of  a  mare's  life  for  raising 
colts.  Experience  has  also  proved  the  great  advan- 
tage resulting  to  the  form  and  size  of  a  colt,  from 
letting  him  get  thin  upon  grass  alone,  two  or  three 
time?  previous  to  his  being  three  years  old;  after  which 
June  he  may  be  constantly  pushed  as  much  as  possible. 

When  the  dam  and  sire  of  a  colt  are  small,  it  is  V: 


BJIEEDINO.  3*? 

be  presumed  a  colt  produced  by  them  will  make  a 
small  horse,  although  there  may  be  no  objection  to  the* 
blood;  and  if  he  makes  a  race  horse,  it  will  be  of  the 
unprofitable  kind.  He  may  be  a  winner  at  three  years 
old;  at  four  years  old,  second  best;  and  being  too 
small  to  carr}>  weight,  he  never  can  win  again.  Such 
a  horse  will  not  '•:ommand  a  high  price  with  a  judge  of 
horses,  as  it  is  evident  tiiat  a  large  horse,  wdth  the  same 
weight,  will  beat  a  small  one,  when  they  are  equal  in 
all  respects  except  size.  Indeed,  for  the  purpose  of 
draft  or  riding,  a  large  horse  will  command  double  the 
sum  of  a  small  one,  which  plainly  proves  the  importsjice 
of  breeding  from  a  large  stock. 

When  a  colt  arrives  at  the  age  of  two  and  a  half 
years,  it  is  time  he  should  be  handled,  and  taught  the 
use  of  the  bit.  It  is  of  great  consequence  he  should 
be  first  gentled  by  a  person  who  well  understands  the 
management  of  horses,  to  prevent  bad  habits;  as  first 
impressions  are  never  entirely  removed  from  maii  or 
beast. 


84  BREEDING. 


I  Dip.  following  is  the  mode  of  raising  Blooded  Horses,  as  pursued  by 
Wtn.  E,  Droadnax,  of  Brunswick  County,  Virginia.^ 

[from  the  AMERICAN  FARMER.] 

MODE  OF  RAISING  BLOODED  HORSES. 

"  In  the  first  place,  be  particular  in  selecting  a  good 
stock  to  breed  from.  When  the  mare  is  near  foaling, 
let  her  be  to  herself,  and  if  early  in  the  season,  let  her 
have  a  good  roomy  stable  to  foal  in;  and  in  good 
weather,  let  her  and  her  colt  be  turned  into  a  lot,  (of 
wheat  I  prefer.)  Wean  the  colt  the  first  of  October 
in  a  stable,  until  it  is  done  snickering  after  its  dam ; 
then  turn  it  in  a  lot ;  if  you  have  more  than  one,  they 
will  do  best  together. 

"  Stable  them  at  night,  and  turn  them  out  in  the  day 
except  in  very  bad  weather :  force  them  all  you  can  the 
first  winter.  To  do  this,  their  principal  food  should  be 
cut  oats  moistened  with  a  due  proportion  of  corn  meal 
sprinkled  over  and  mixed  with  them.  Most  foals  are 
apt  to  be  too  delicate  ;  forcing  them,  and  keeping  them 
warm  at  night,  will  increase  the  size  of  their  limbs 
in  proportion  to  the  weight  of  their  bodies.  After 
they  are  one  year  old,  they  should  not  be  kept  so  fat, 
nor  yet  permitted  to  get  poor.  A  stud  colt,  which  is 
intended  to  be  kept  as  such,  should  be  separated  from 
other  horses  at  a  year  old,  and  stabled  of  nights ;  his 
rack  and  manger  should  be  so  high  as  to  strain  him  a 
little  to  get  food ;  the  windows  of  the  stable  should 
also  be  high,  as  he  will  be  looking  out  at  them :  by 
these  means  his  shoulders  will  be  thrown  back,  and  his 
withers  raised.  If  it  be  wished  to  increase  his  quar- 
tois,  enlarge  his  muscles,  and  other  material  parts, 
keep  him  in  the  stable  frequently,  for  several  days 
together,  which  will  animate  him ;  then  turn  him  out  in 


BREEDING.  36 

a  lot,  and  encourage  him  to  run  and  exert  him  sell  all*, 
you  can,  as  his  parts  will  acquire  size  and  strength  in 
proportion  to  the  use  m^de  of  them. 

"  I  would  recommend  a  mare  of  good  form  and 
thorough  blood,  though  she  cost  the  most,  because  her 
colts  would  cost  '^.o  more  to  raise  them  than  those  from 
an  ordinary  mare,  and  would  probably  sell  for  more 
than  three  or  four  times  as  much.  The  reason  I  would 
wean  in  a  stable  is,  that  in  the  usual  way  of  weaning 
in  cornfields,  &:c.  the  colts  run  themselves  poor  before 
they  are  weaned.  I  prefer  wheat  lots  for  mares  and 
colts,  because  they  like  it  better  than  any  thing  else, 
and  I  think  it  agrees  better  with  them.  I  find  oats 
made  use  of  as  above  stated,  not  only  the  most  healthy 
and  best,  but  also  the  cheapest  food  for  mares  and 
colts.  In  pursuing  the  course  which  has  been  laid 
down,  I  obtained  the  following  results : 

"  I  selected  a  mare  which  I  knew  to  be  of  good 
stock,  but  from  improper  raising  was  only  four  feet 
six  inches  high,  and  very  delicate :  The  first  remova! 
from  her  was  four  feet  ten  inches;  the  second  remova 
five  feet;  the  third  was  five  feet,  two  inches;  the 
fourth  was  five  feet  six  inches." 


t6  RAISING  OF  COLTS. 


RAISING  OF  COLTS. 

7V«€  following  answers  were  returned  by  William  R.  Johnson,  to 
questions  propounded  by  J.  Marshall,  of  Fauquier  Co.  Va.^ 

"  Senate  Chamber,  February  4,  1829. 

1.  Keep  the  colts  in  pretty  good  order,  not  too  fat, 
until  they  are  too  years  old,  then  break  them  gently. 

2.  Keep  them  in  lots,  it  does  not  matter  as  to  size, 
taking  care  not  to  allow  them  to  see  other  horses  more 
than  possible. 

3  and  4.  Grass  lots  are  best,-  and  short  grass. 

5.  Dry  food  mostly — when  young,  cut  oats. 

6.  Give  corn  in  the  winter;  oats  in  the  summer; 
not  more  at  a  time  than  thev  eat  clean.  When  thev 
are  once  fat  very  light  feeding  is  best. 

7.  It  is  not  at  all  necessary  to  rub  them  until  they 
are  two  vears  cM. 

ml 

8.  Wean  the  colts  at  about  six  months  old. 
Should  the  above  answers  to  your  questions  not  be 

sufficiently  explicit,  they  will  be  with  great  pleasure 
added  to. 

Respectfully, 

William  R.  Johnson 


RACK  HOUSE.  87 


[from  the  AMERICAN  FARMER.] 

THE  BLOODED  HORSE. 

How  to  choose  a  race  horse  by  his  external  appearauccy  and  to  b:  • 
judge  of  his  symmetry  by  angular  demonstration. 

RULES. 

1st.  Draw  a  base  line  from  the  stifle  joint  along  the 
Dottom  of  the  chest  to  the  extreme  point  of  the  elbow, 
and  to  the  shoulder-blade  joint. 

2dly.  Draw  a  line  from  the  curb  or  hock  by  the  hip 
joint  above  the  back,  to  an  imaginary  point. 

3dly.  Draw  another  line  from  the  point  of  the  shoul- 
der, ranging  with  the  shoulder,  and  passing  abo"?e  the 
back,  until  it  intersects  the  line  at  the  imaginary  point. 

4thly.  Draw  a  line  from  the  intersecting  poin.  of  the 
shoulders,  giving  the  same  declension  until  it  in^srsects 
the  base  line. 

5thly.  From  the  stifle  to  the  pomt  of  the  \  -tutock 
ihence  to  the  hip  yAnt,  thence  declining  to  the  stifle. 

6thly.  Draw  a  line  from  the  hip  to  the  b£  >e  line 
right  angular  declension,  then  to  the  shoulder  i  p  to  the 
chest. 

7thly.  Then  draw  a  straight  line,  regardless  of  the 
curve  of  the  back,  to  a  straight  line  intersecting  at  the 
shoulder  at  the  beginning  of  the  crest. 

8thly.  Then  take  a  line  from  *he  point  of  the  shouc- ' 
der,  and  angular  degree,  ranging   "vith  the  shouidei- 
blade  to  the  top  of  the  crest. 

Othly.  Then,  regardless  of  the  risnig  of  the  cresL 


V 


/ 


38  RACE  HOUSE 

draw  a  straight  line  from  the  top  of  the  shoulder-blade 
to  inteisect  with  the  point  of  the  former  line.     ^ 

Thus  the  real  symmetry  of  a  grand  and  beautiful 
horse,  possessed  with  muscular  powers  and  strength, 
is  formed  by  a  right-angled  triangle ;  and  the  farther 
fiom  it  a  race  horse's  form  is,  the  less  pretensions  that 
nwse  has  to  beauty,  speed, bottom,  or  lastingness,  ability 
lo  carry  weight,  or  activity. 

A  thick,  upright  shoulder,  is  a  very  certain  mark  o\ 
a  "stum bier,"  and  is  fit  for  no  use  whatever  but  the 
slow  draft. 

A  low  coupling  in  the  back,  is  a  true  mark  of  weak 
iiess;  it  denotes  want  of  strength,  lastingness,  ability 
to  carry  weight,  or  speed. 

A  low  loin,  is  a  certain  mark  of  weakness,  and  a 
weakly  and  washy  constitution. 

But  a  rising  loin,  of  ability  to  carry  weight,  sjxied 
activity,  and  lastingness,  and  a  good  constitution,  sym 
metry,  beauty,  and  muscular  strength. 

A  race  horse's  legs  cannot  be  too  short. 

A  great  dechvity,  and  thin  shoulders,  denotes 
speed. 

A  narrow  breast,  weakness 

A  horse's  breast  bone,  formed  like  that  of  the  rabbit, 
denotes  also  speed,  and  it  is  the  best  form  for  a  race 
horse. 

A  short,  broad  hock,  denotes  strength:  a  broad  stifle 
well  let  down  to  the  curb  or  hock,  denotes  bottom  or 
lastingness,  strength,  and  activity. 

There  are  not  two  race  horses  in  five  hundred,  pro- 
perly formed  in  the  knees ;  which  should  be  small, 
divested  of  superfluous  appendages,  and  strong ;  ihcy 
aenote  activitv  and  st^-ength. 


RACE  HORSE.  S9 

A  lax,  bending  pastern^  denotes  also  speed ;  a  long 
horse  is  preferable  to  a  short  one,  because  he  can 
cover  a  great  deal  of  ground,  and  can  bear  pressing 
better  and  longer. 

The  race  horse,  upon  the  whole,  whose  form  in 
general,  is  composed  of  the  essential  properties  of  the 
following  animals,  viz.  the  rabbit,  grey  hound,  and 
ostrich — is  the  best. 

GoRWOOD» 

December  6,  1827. 


@e« 


The  following  is  the  English  mode  of  vianngement  and  working  ij 

Race  Horses. 


hi  the  managing  and  wot  king  of  race  horses, 
three  things  are  to  be  considered :  the  preparation  of 
the  horse,  the  conduct  of  the  rider,  and  the  after 
treatment  of  the  horse.  The  preparation  of  a  race 
horse  for  running  a  race  is  not  the  woj-k  of  a  few  days, 
if  there  be  any  great  dependence  on  ihe  success.  A 
month  at  least,  is  required  to  harden  his  muscles  in 
training,  by  proper  food  and  exercise,  and  to  retine  his 
wmd,  by  clearing  his  body  to  diat  degree  of  perfec- 
,tion  that  is  attainable  by  art.  It  is  first  necessary  to 
ascertain  correctly  the  present  state  of  the  horse,  as 
whether  he  be  low  or  high  in  flesh  ;  and  in  either 
case,  a  proper  estimate  should  be  formed  of  the  time 
and  means  required  to  bring  him  into  true  runnrng 
condition.  / 

/ 
/ 


40  RACE  HOR» 

[f  a  race  horse  he  low  in  Jlesh,  it  is  necessary  to 
fudge  ot  the  cause  of  such  state,  and  to  act  accordingly. 
\{  is  to  be  remarked,  that  spices  are  less  to  be  depended 
on  for  this  purpose  than  generous  food,  as  malt  mashes; 
and  if  any  thing  of  the  kind  be  used,  let  it  be  the  simple 
cordial  ball.  Feed  Irequently,  and  by  little  at  a  time: 
while  he  is  thus  low,  let  his  exercise  be  walking  only, 
and  by  no  means  spare  his  water,  or  he  will  become 
hide-bound :  carefully  watch  him,  that  full  feeding 
may  not  disagree  by  making  his  heels  swell,  or  his 
coat  unthrifty  ;  and  if  such  appearances  occur,  mash 
him  and  begin  his  scourings,  otherwise  abstain  from 
physic  until  he  is  in  better  health.  As  he  improves  in 
condition,  increase  his  exercise,  but  not  to  such  a 
degree  as  to  make  him  sweat :  his  food  must  now  be 
the  be«t  oats  and  beans,  with  wdieaien  or  barley  bread  ; 
the  beans  and  oats  are  to  be  put  into  a  bag  and  beaten 
until  the  hulls  are  all  off,  and  then  winnowed  clean  ; 
the  bread  instead  of  being  chipped  in  the  common 
way,  is  to  have  the  crust  clean  off. 

If  the  horse  be  in  good  flesh  and  spirits  when  taken 
up  for  his  juonth's  preparation,  cordials  are  altogether 
unnecessary ;  and  the  chief  business  will  be  to  give 
him  good  food,  and  so  much  exercise  as  will  keep  him 
tn  wind,  without  over-sweating  or  tiring  his  spirits.— 
When  he  takes  larger  exercise '  afterwards,  towards 
the  end  of  the  month,  it  will  be  proper  to  have  some 
horses  in  the  place  to  run  against  him.  This  will  put 
him  upon  his  mettle,  and  the  beating  them  will  give  him 
spirits.  This,  how&ver,  is  to  be  cautiously  observed, 
that  ne  has  not  a  bloody  heat  given  him  for  ten  days  or 
a  fortnight  before  the  plate  is  to  be  run  for ;  and  that  the 
last  heat  that  is  given  him  the  day  before  the  race,  must 
be  in  his  clothes :  this  will  make  him  run  with  greatly 
xnore  Vigour  when  stripped  for  the  race,  and  feeling  the 


RACE   HORSE.  41 

foldwind  on  every  part.  In  tne  second  week,  the  horse 
should  have  the  same  food  and  more  exercise  ;  and  in 
the  last  fortnight  he  must  have  dried  oats,  that  ha\e 
been  hulled  by  beating;  after  this  jockeys  wet  them 
with  the  whites  of  eggs  beaten  up,  and  then  laid  out  in 
the  sun  to  dry;  and  when  dry  as  before,  the  horse 
is  to  have  them  :  this  sort  of  food  being  considered  by 
them  as  very  light  of  digestion,  and  very  good  for  the 
creature's  wind.  The  beans  in  this  time  should  be 
given  more  sparingly,  and  the  bread  should  be  made 
of  three  parts  wheat  and  one  part  beans,  or  of  wheat 
and  barley  in  equal  parts.  If  he  should  become  costive 
under  this  course,  he  must  then  have  bran- water  to 
drink,  or  some  ale  and  whites  of  eggs  beaten  together  ; 
and  keep  his  body  moist.  In  the  last  week  all  mashing 
is  to  be  omitted,  and  barley-water  given  him  in  its  place ; 
and  every  day,  till  the  day  before  the  race,  he  should 
have  his  fill  of  hay  ;  then  he  must  have  it  given  him 
more  sparingly,  that  he  may  have  time  to  digest  it ; 
and  in  the  morning  of  the  race  day,  he  must  have  a 
toast  or  tw^o  of  white  bread  soaked  in  ale,  and  the  same 
'ust  before  he  is  led  out  of  the  field.  This  is  an  excel- 
lent method,  because  the  two  extremes  of  fulness  and 
fasting  are  at  this  time  to  be  equally  avoiaed  ;  the  one 
lieatifig  his  wind,  and  the  other  occasioning  a  faintnoss 
that  may  make  him  loose.  After  he  has  had  his  food, 
the  litter  is  to  be  shook  up,  and  the  stable  kept  quiet, 
that  he  may  be  disturbed  by  nothing  till  he  is  taken 
out  to  run. 

In  the  choice  of  a  rider  for  winning  a  rac^e,  it  13 
n(;cessary,  as  far  as  possible,  to  select  one  that  is  noi 
only  expert  and  able,  but  honest.  He  must  have  a  verv 
close  seat,  his  knees  being  turned  close  to  the  saddle 
skirts,  and  held  firmly  there;  and  the  toes  turnea 
inwards,  so  that  the  spurs  may  be  turned  outwards  10 
5  D  "^ 

/ 


42  RACE  HORSE. 

ihe  horse's  belly ;  his  left  hand  governing  the  horse  9 
mouth,  and  his  right  the  whip.  During  the  whole  time 
of  the  race,  he  must  take  care  to  sit  firm  in  the  saddle, 
without  waving  or  standing  up  in  the  stirrups.  Some 
jockeys  fancy  the  last  a  becoming  seat ;  but  it  is  ;  ertain 
that  ail  motions  of  this  kind  do  really  incommode  the 
horse.  In  spurring  the  horse,  it  is  not  to  be  done  by 
sticking  the  cah^es  of  the  legs  close  to  the  horse's  side, 
as  if  it  were  intended  to  press  the  wind  out  of  his  body  ; 
but  on  the  contrary,  the  toes  are  to  be  turned  a  little 
outwards,  and  the  heels  being  brought  in,  the  spurs 
may  just  be  brought  to  touch  the  side.  A  sharp  touch  of 
this  kind  will  be  of  more  service  toward  the  quicken- 
ing of  a  horse's  pace,  and  will  sooner  draw  blood  than 
one  of  the  common  coarse  kicks.  The  expert  jockey 
will  never  spur  his  horse  until  there  is  great  occasion, 
and  then  he  will  avoid  striking  him  under  the  fore 
bowels,  between  the  shoulders  and  the  girt ;  this  is  the 
tenderest  part  of  a  horse,  and  a  touch  there  's  to  be 
leserved  for  the  greatest  extremity. 

As  to  whipping  the  horse,  it  ought  always  to  be 
done  over  the  shoulder,  on  the  near  side,  except  in 
very  hard  running,  and  on  the  point  of  victory ;  then 
the  horse  is  to  be  struck  on  the  flank  with  a  strong 
jerk;  for  the  skin  is  the  most  tender  of  all  there,  and 
most  sensible  of  the  lash.  When  a  horse  is  whipped 
and  spurred,  and  is  at  the  top  of  his  speed,  if  he  clap  his 
ears  in  his  pole  or  whisk  his  tail,  it  is  a  proof  that  the 
jockey  treats  him  hard,  and  then  he  ought  to  give  him 
Hs  much  comfort  as  he  can,  by  sawing  the  snafEe  back 
wards  and  forwards  in  his  mouth,  and  by  that  mean* 
forcing  him  to  open  his  mouth,  which  will  give  him 
wind,  and  be  of  great  service.  If  there  be  any  high 
wind  stirring  m  the  time  of  riding,  the  artful  jockey 
■vii'  let  his  adversary  lead,  holding  hard  behind  him. 


RACE  HORSE.  43 

t'lJ  he  sees  an  opportunity  of  giving  a  loose  ;  yd  m 
this  case  he  must  keep  so  close  behind,  that  the  other 
horse  may  keep  the  wind  from  him  ;  and  that  he,  sil- 
ting low,  may  at  once  shelter  himself  under  him,  a'lu 
assist  the  strength  of  the  horse.  If  the  wind  happen 
to  be  in  their  back,  the  expert  jockey  is  to  keep 
directly  behind  the  adversary,  that  he  mav  have  al'. 
the  advantaofe  of  the  wind  to  blow  his  hoj-se  alon^,  as 
it  were,  and  at  the  same  time  intercept  it  in  regard  to 
Ills  adversary. 

When  running  on  level  smooth  groundy  the  jockey 
is  to  beat  his  horse  as  much  as  the  adversary  will  give 
him  leave,  because  the  horse  is  naturally  more  in- 
clined  to  spend  himself  on  this  ground;  on  the  con 
trary,  on  deep  earths,  he  may  have  more  liberty,  as 
he  will  there  spare  himself 

/  In  riding  wp  hill  the  horse  is  always  to  be  favoured, 
by  bearing  him  hard,  for  fear  of  running  him  out  of 
wind ;  but  in  running  down  hill,  if  the  horse's  fee! 
and  shoulders  will  bear  it,  and  the  rider  dares  venture 
his  neck,  he  may  have  a  full  loose.  If  the  horse  have 
the  heels  of  the  rest,  the  jockey  must  always  spare 
him  a  little,  that  he  may  have  a  reserve  of  strength  to 
make  a  push  at  the  last  post. 

On  the  jockey's  knowing  the  nature  of  the  horsb 
that  is  to  run  against  hi?n,  a  great  deal  depends ;  for 
by  managing  accordin^i^ly,  great  advantages  are  to  be 
obtained  :  thus,  if  the  opposite  horse  is  of  a  hot  and  iiery 
disposition,  the  jockey  is  either  to  run  just  behind  him  or 
cheek-by-jole  with  him,  making  a  noise  wnth  the  whip, 
and  by  that  means  forcin^:  him  on  faster  then  his  rider 
would  have  him,  and  consequently,  spending  him  s(» 
much  the  sooner  :  or  else  keep  him  just  before  him  ii» 
such  a  slow  gallop  that  he  may  either  overreach,  oi  b*' 


44  RACE  HORSE. 

treading  on  the  heels  of  the  fore  horse,  endangei 
tumbling  over.  Whatever  be  the  ground  that  the 
ndversary's  horse  runs  worst  on,  the  cunning  jockey 
is  to  ride  the  most  violently  over ;  and  by  this  means 
it  will  often  happen,  that  in  following  he  either  stum- 
bles or  claps  on  the  back  sinews.  The  several  cor- 
rections of  the  hand,  the  whip  and  the  spur,  are  also 
to  be  observed  in  the  adversary,  and  in  what  manner 
he  makes  use  oi  them  :  and  when  it  is  perceived  by 
any  of  the  symptoms  of  holding  down  the  ears,  or 
whisking  the  tail,  or  stretching  out  the  nose  like  a  pig, 
that  the  horse  is  almost  blown,  the  business  is  to  keep 
nim  on  to  his  speed,  and  he  will  be  soon  thrown  out 
or  distanced.  If  the  horse  of  the  opponent  looks  dull, 
it  is  a  sign  his  strength  fails  him  ;  and  if  his  flanks 
beat  much,  it  is  a  sign  that  his  wind  begins  to  fail  him, 
and  his  strength  will  soon  do  so  too. 

The  after  management  of  a  horse  that  has  ricn,  in 
eludes  the  treatment  between  the  heats,  and  the  treat 
ment  after  the  race  is  over.  After  every  heat,  there 
must  be  dry  straw  and  dry  cloths,  both  linen  and 
woollen,  ready  to  rub  him  down  all  over,  after  taking 
oil'  the  sweat  with  what  is  called  a  sweat-knife  ;  that 
is,  a  piece  of  an  old  sword  blade  or  some  such  thing. 
Alter  the  horse  has  been  well  rubbed,  he  should  be 
chafed  all  over  with  cloths  wet  in  common  water, 
till  the  time  of  starting  again.  When  it  is  certainly 
known  that  the  horse  is  good  at  the  bottom,  and  will 
stick  at  the  mark,  he  should  be  rode  every  heal  to  the 
best  of  his  performance  ;  and  the  jockey  is,  as  mnr\\ 
as  possible,  to  avoid  riding  at  any  particular  horse,  or 
jiiavin*  for  any,  but  to  ride  out  the  whole  heat  with 
the  best  speed  he  can.  If,  on  the  contrary,  he  has  a 
fiery  horse  to  ride,  and  one  that  is  hard  to  manage, 
nard  rrr.uthed,  and  difficult  to  be  held,  he  is  to  be  started 


H(»STLFR.  45 

behind  the  rest  of  the  horses  witli  all  imaginable  cool- 
ness and  gentleness ;  and  when  he  begins  to  ride  at 
some  command,  then  the  jockey  is  to  put  up  to  the 
o^her  horses ;  and  if  they  ride  at  their  ease,  and  are 
hard  held,  they  are  to  be  drawn  on  faster ;  and  if  it  be 
perceived  that  their  wind  begins  to  rake  hot,  and  they 
v\-ant  a  sob,  the  business  is  to  keep  them  up  to  thai 
speed  ;  and  when  they  are  all  come  within  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile  of  the  post,  then  is  the  time  to  push  for  it, 
and  use  the  utmost  speed  in  the  creature's  power. 

When  the  race  is  over,  the  horse  is  immediately  to 
be  clothed  up  and  rode  home  ;  and  immediately  on  his 
coming  into  the  stable,  the  following  drink  is  to  be 
given  him :  Beat  up  the  yelks  of  three  eggs,  and  put 
them  into  a  pint  and  a  half  of  sound  ale,  made  warm  ; 
and  let  it  be  given. with  a  horn.  After  this,  he  is  to 
be  rubbed  well  down,  and  the  saddle-place  rubbed  over 
with  warm  water  and  vinegar,  and  places  where  the 
spurs  have  touched,  with  the  same  ;  after  this  he  should 
have  a  feed  of  rye  bread,  then  a  good  mash,  and  at 
some  time  after  these  as  much  hay  and  oats  as  he  will 
eat.  His  legs,  after  this,  should  be  bathed  some  time 
with  a  mixture  of  vnieq-ar  and  water 


HOSTLER. 

* 

No  situation  that  a  ser\  ant  can  be  placed  in,  requires 
more  activity,  sobriety,  strength,  attention,  and  indus- 
try, than  that  of  an  hostler.  And  how  often  do  we 
see  weak,  lazy,  careless,  crippled,  and  even  extreme 
r>ld  men,  worn  out  with  age  and  iufirmily,  |)Iaced  m 
Inat  employment'?  Indf^ed.  those  are  Miton  majf 
5  * 


40  STARLfJS. 

choice  of  that  are  unable  to  perform  labour  of  "\n) 
description.  Nothing  can  be  more  agreeable  to  a 
fatigued  ti'aveller,  than  to  place  his  norse  in  possession 
of  every  pleasure,  ev^ery  comfort  possible,  after  his 
having  faithfully  performed  a  hard  ride,  or  on  a  journey , 
which  he  cannot  have  the  opportunity  of  doing,  unless 
■9  fit  person  is  selected  for  an  hostler. 

Many  fine  horses  and  stables  have  been  destroyed 
by  carelessness.  Hostlers  that  smoke  pipes  or  segars, 
are  unfit  for  that  employment. 


STABLES. 

Nothing  conduces  more  to  the  health  of  a  horse, 
than  a  good  and  v^^holesome  stable.  It  should  be  built 
upon  a  high,  airy,  and  firm  situaiion,  that  the  horse,  in 
Dad  weather,  may  come  in  and  go  out  clean.  ISsO 
animal  dehghts  more  in  cleanliness  than  the  horse,  or 
lo  whom  bad  smells  are  more  disagreeable  and  perni- 
cious. Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  removal 
of  all  offensive  and  putrid  matter,  to  prevent  the  farcy 
and  other  troublesome  and  distressing  diseases,  which 
frequently  proceed  from  such  neglect.  A  log  stable  is 
preferable  to  any  other,  on  account  of  its  admitting  a 
free  circulation  of  air  in  summer;  and  by  the  use  ot 
slabs  or  stiaw  in  winter,  can  be  made  warm  and  com- 
fortable. Opposite  to  each  stall  there  should  be  u 
lattice  or  window,  with  a  shutter ;  by  which  means  you 
can,  at  pleasure,  either  welcome  the  cheering  breeze, 
or  bar  out  the  threatening  storm.  The  rack  should  be 
sTr:of>th,  hi<ih.  and  firmly  fastened  to  the  wall ;  which 
vvil,   provent  a  horse  injuring  h's   eyes,  skinning  liis 


STABLES.  47 

%ce,  and  doing  himself  other  injury  when  feeding 
The  upright  pieces  in  a  rack  should  be  four,  or  foui 
and  a  half  inches  apart,  to  prevent  long  food  from 
being  unnecessarily  wasted.  The  halter  should  nevei 
be  tied  to  the  rack,  (several  fine  horses  having  been 
ruined  by  such  carelesness,)  but  should  be  passed 
Ihrough  a  ring  in  the  manger,  and  confined  to  a  longer 
or  smooth  piece  of  wood,  weighing  about  a  pound 
With  a  halter  of  this  description,  there  is  no  danger 
of  a  horse's  hanging,  alarming,  or  injuring  himself.  A 
stall  should  be  four  and  a  half  or  five  feet  wide,  which 
will  allow  him  to  lie  down  with  comfort.  The  stable 
floor  should  be  planked,  to  m?ke  the  coat  of  hair  show 
to  advantage  ;  but  a  dirt  floor  is  far  preferable,  when 
a  horse  is  wanted  for  actual  service :  there  is  a  mois- 
ture received  by  the  hoof  from  the  earth,  which  is 
absolutely  necessary  to  make  it  tough  and  service- 
able. Either  kind  of  stable  floors  should  be  a  little 
raised  towards  the  manger,  to  turn  the  urine  from  the 
stall,  which  produces  an  unpleasant  smell,  and  (when 
permitted  to  stand  a  length  of  time) .  very  unwhole- 
some vapours.  When  the  size  of  a  stable  is  calculated 
for  several  horses,  the  partitions  between  the  stalls 
should  be  neatly  and  smoothly  planked  low  enough  to 
the  floor,  to  prevent  the  horse  when  lying  down, 
getting  his  legs  through,- and  high  enough  at  top  to 
prevent  them  from  smelling,  biting,  and  molesting 
each  other.  A  plentiful  bed  of  clean,  dry  straw  aflbrds, 
to  a  fatigued  or  travelling  horse,  as  great  a  welcome 
as  his  food,  and  is  as  necessary  in  a  stable  as  iho 
ritchfork,  curry-comb,  and  brush. 


4S  NICKING. 


NICKING. 

Nicking  a  horse  has  been  generally  believed  to  be 
attended  withmudi  difficulty,  and  to  require  great  in- 
genuity and  art  to  perform  the  operation.  The  nicking 
alone,  is  by  far  flie  easiest  pai't,  as  the  curing  and 
pullying  requires  considerable  attention  and  trouble. 
iN'icking  is  an  operation  })erformed  for  the  purpose  oi 
making  a  horse  carry  an  elegant  artificial  tail,  which 
adds  much  to  his  beauty  and  value.  A  horse  may  be 
finely  shaped,  even  without  fault,  except  carrying  a 
bad  tail,  and  he  will  not  command  a  larger  sum  than 
one  of  very  k)Ose  and  ordinary  shape  elegantly  nicked. 
One  thus  operated  on,  will  have  an  appearance  oi 
gaiety,  sprightliness,  and  Yik,  vhich  cannoi  be  given 
by  art  in  any  other  way ;  indeed,  it  very  Irequently 
happens  the  tail  sells  for  one  fourth  the  value  of  the 
horse,  which  argues  strongly  in  favour  of  the  opera- 
tion being  performed  on  every  tolerable  likely  horse, 
that  is  naturally  deficient  in  that  respect. 

Some  are  ot  opinion,  and  particularly  our  plain, 
good  old  farmers,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  raising  fine 
horses,  that  nicking  is  injurious,  weakening  the  back, 
unstringing  the  tendons,  relaxing  the  muscles  about  the 
hind  parts,  causing  a  horse  frequently  to  fall  and  some- 
times to  catch  upon  their  ancles  behind,  almost 
breakmg  the  rider's  back;  in  all  of  which  they  are 
entirely  mistaken,  and  would  readily  be  convinced  of 
the  fact,  if  they  were  to  study  the  anatomy  of  the 
horse.  Every  tendon,  muscle,  nerve,  artery,  &:c.  that 
is  separated  in  nicking,  is  always  cut  in  docking  ; 
and  we  do  not  find  it  the  result  of  experiment,  that  a 
borse  with  a  long  tail  is  m.ore  durable,  F-tronger,    rec 


NICKING.  49 

from  catching  or  sinking  behind,  than  a  horse  thai  has 
been  docked.  Nicking  will  never  make  a  bad  horse  a 
good  one,  or  a  good  horse  a  bad  one. 

The  opinion  unfavom-abJe  to  nicking,  no  doubt,  has 
taken  its  rise  from  many  delicate,  weak,  long-legged 
horses  bei^ig  nicked  for  the  purpose  of  selling  them. 
When  the  operation  succeeds  well,  the  horse  assumes 
a  new  appearance,  being  more  like  a  dancing  master 
than  a  grave  digger,  after  which  he  will  continue  to 
practise  his  old  habits  of  catching  behind,  or  making  a 
bow,  although  he  appears  as  if  he  could  glide  upon  the 
wind.  This  elegant  tail  causes  them  to  forget  this  is  the 
same  tender  and  weak  horse  that  was  in  bad  habits 
before  he  was  nicked ;  and  almost  proves,  without 
reflection,  that  nicking  is  the  cause  of  his  apparent  weak- 
ness. Indeed  if  such  opinions  were  founded  on  fact, 
all  horses  that  had  been  nicked,  would  fall  and  catch 
behind,  whenever  they  had  to  descend  a  small  hill.  1 
have  never  known  an  instance  of  a  horse  catchini? 
behind  after  being  nicked,  that  was  not  in  the  habit 
previous  to  the  operation  being  performed. 

Before  I  describe  the  operation  of  nicking,  it  niay 
be  necessary  to  inquire  into  the  effect,  or  how  the 
elevation  of  the  tail  is  brought  about.  In  order  to  do 
this,  and  judge  of  the  operation  with  propriety,  we 
must  consider  the  tail  elevated  or  raised  by  one  set  of 
muscles,  ending  in  large  tendons,  and  depressed  or 
drawn  down  by  another ;  the  muscles  and  tendons  that 
elevate  the  tail,  are  stronger  and  more  numerous,  and 
nearer  to  the  bone  than  those  that  depress  it ;  they  are 
closely  connected  to  the  bones  of  the  tail  by  fleshy 
fibres,  and  terminate  in  strong  tendons  at  the  extre 
mity.  The  tendons  that  throw  down  or  depress  the 
'ail,  are  two   in   number,  and  may  be  found  within  a 


50  NICKINO. 

quarter  of  an  inch  of  the  outer  sides  of  the  tail,  next  tO 
the  hair.  There  are  three  arteries  ;  two  large,  on  the 
outer  side  and  immediately  under  the  tendons,  and  one 
in  the  centre  between  the  two  nearer  the  bone,  all 
nmnmg  into  a  longitudinal  direction,  and  decreasing 
in  size  to  the  extreme  end. 

To  perform  the  operation  of  nicking,  it  is  first  neces- 
sary the  horse  should  be  well  secured,  to  prevent  his 
kicking  or  doing  other  injury ;  a  twitch  is  to  be  put  on 
his  upper  lip,  but  not  so  high  as  to  prevent  his  breath- 
ing; a  cord  is  to  be  made  fast  to  the  fetlock  of  one  of 
his  hind  legs,  thence  carried  forward  and  made  fast  to 
*his  fore  leg  above  the  knee,  which  will  effectually 
prevent  his  doing  injury  during  the  operation. — [See 
Plaf.e.] 

I  eing  now  confined,  you  are  ready  to  commence 
the  operation,  which  chiefly  consists  in  a  transveise 
division  of  those  depressing  tendons  of  the  tail,  and 
s\.Y)h  a  position  afterwards  as  will  keep  their  extremi- 
Uf's  again  from  coming  into  contact ;  so  that  an  inter- 
v«^ning  callous  fills  up  the  vacuity,  and  elevates,  erects, 
and  props  the  tail.  There  are  three  different  modes 
of  nicking,  all  of  which  I  will  proceed  to  explain, 
riving  an  opportunity  to  any  person,  about  to  perform 
i\\e  operation,  to  make  their  selection. 

To  make  a  horse  cany  an  elegant  tail,  is  attended 
'  with  some  uncertainty,  as  much  depends  upon  the 
spirit,  disposition,  form,  size  of  the  bone  of  the  tail, 
ifec.  &c.  &c.  A  horse  of  good  spirit,  tolerable 'shape, 
and  a  small  bone  in  the  tail,  can  be  made  to  carry  an 
elogant  tail  with  the  greatest  ease ;  particularly  if  he 
carried  a  tolerably  natural  tail.  But  a  dull,  leather 
•leaded,  flop-eared  horse,  with  a  remarkable  large  bone 
n  his  tail,  will  set  you  a  task,  although  yoj  may  break 


NICKL\G.  51 

the  bone  in  two  or  three  places — indeed  there  is  so 
much  difference  in  horses,  that  some  judgment  must 
be  exercised  about  the  mode  best  to  be  adopted  to  die 
accomphshment  of  the  object  in  view. 

Nothing  can  more  disfigure  the  appearance  of  a 
horse,  than  to  be  half  nicked.  The  form  of  the  tail, 
when  this  unfortunately  happens,  departs  from  the 
simplicity  of  nature,  and  never  attains  the  elegance 
of  art. 

The  first  mode  of  nicking  I  shall  describe,  is  the 
simplest,'  and  attended  with  the  least  trouble ;  and 
akhough  it  succeeds  well,  twice  out  of  three  times,  yet 
I  think  inferior  to  the  other  two  I  shall  presently  de- 
scribe. Being  prepared  with  a  sharp  knife  and  a 
crooked  piece  of  iron  or  buck's  horn,  for  the  purpose 
of  performing  the  operation. 

1st.  Have  a  tw^itch  placed  upon  his  nose  as  directed 
n  the  engraving  annexed. — Figui'e  3. 

2d.  With  a  strong  rope,  confine  his  left  hind  leg  to 
his  left  fore  leg,  above  the  knee. — Figures  5  <^  6. 

3d.  Plat  the  tail  close  and  neatlv,  from  the  root  to 
the  end,  clubbing  or  turning  it  over  a  small  stick. — 
B\gure  7. 

4th.  Turn  the  tail  up,  with  a  strong  arm  that  can 
keep  it  firm  and  steady,  in  a  direct  line  with  his  rump 
and  back-bone. — Figure  7. 

5th.  With  a  sharp  knife  make  an  incision  on  each 

side  of  the  tail  about  three  inches  long,  in  a  longitu> 

dinal  direction,  about  two  inches  from  the  root,  and 

ibout  a  quarter  of  an  inch  from  the  outer  edge  of  the 

tail,  next  to  the  hair  ;  so  soon  as  you  get  through  \.\w 

skin,  you  will  find  exposed  the  two  large  tendons. 
6 


5y  NICKING 

ii\h.  Make  a  second  pair  of  incisions,  similar  to 
the  first,  conimencinG:  within  about  two  inches  of  the 
•(.'imination  of  the  first. 

7th.  Make  one  other  pair  of  incisions,  in  length  pro 
(M)rtioned  to  the  length  of  the  tail,  taking  care  to  leavf, 
about  two  inches  at  the  end. 

8th.  With  a  crooked  iron  or  horn,  take  up  the  ten 
dons  at  the  first  incision,  as  near  the  root  of  the  tail  as 
possible,  and  cut  them  smoothly  in  two. 

9th.  Take  up  the  tendons  at  the  second  incision, 
and  by  using  strength,  draw  those  in  the  first  incision 
out  at  the  second. 

10th.  Draw  those  of  the  second  out  at  the  third 
mcision,  and  cut  them  off  smoothlv. 

11th.  Wash  the  tail  in  strong  salt  and  water,  and 
take  from  the  neck  vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood,  three 
times  within  a  week. 

12th.  The  horse  may  be  turned  out  or  used  mode- 
rately,  and  should  be  fed  on  green  or  light  food;  his 
tail  should  be  washed  clean,  with  soap  and  water,  three 
or  four  times  within  a  fortnight ;  by  which  time,  in  all 
probability,  he  will  be  entirely  well.  A  horse  nicked 
in  this  way  will  require  no  pulleying,  provided  the  tail 
is  well  strained  up,  with  a  strong  arm,  twice  a  day. 

The  second  mode  of  nicking  is  attended  with  more 
t  rouble  than  the  first :  but  with  the  greatest  certainty 
of  a  horse  carrying  an  elegant  tail.  Having  confined 
the  horse  as  first  directed,  and  prepared  yourself  wiih 
a  sharp  knife — 

1st.  Make  an  incision  entirely  across  the  under 
uart  of  the  horse's  tail,  deep  enough  on  each  side  to 
cut  in  two  the  depressors  or  tendons,  but  shallow 
*'n  the  middle,  and  about  two  inches  from  the  root  oJ 


*  NICKINC.  53 

the  tail.  When  the  depressors  are  entirely  cut  in 
two,  one  end  of  them  will  suddenly  draw  towards  the 
rump,  and  the  other  will  slip  or  shoot  out  of  the 
wound  about  half  an  inch,  which  must  be  cut  otl 
smoothly  and  even  with  the  wound. 

2d.  The  second  incisions  must  be  made  like  the 
first,  from  which  thev  must  be  distant  about  three 
inches. 

3d.  The  third  incisions  should  be  made  like  the 
second,  except  deeper.  Tf  any  artery  should  be  cut, 
it  is  no  cause  of  alarm ;  as  a  plentiful  bleeding  is  ol 
infinite  service  in  speedily  curing  the  tail  thus  operated 
on,  and  the  blood  is  easily  stopped  by  wrapping  the 
tail  up  with  a  small  quantity  of  salt,  added  to  a  handful 
of  flour,  or  by  placing  him  in  the  pulleys ;  though  from 
a  gallon  to  a  gallon  and  a  half  of  blood  would  not  be 
too  much  to  lose. 

4th.  After  nicking,  the  tail  should  be  washed  in 
strong  salt  and  water,  and  the  horse  may  not  be  pul- 
leyed for  three  or  four  days,  at  which  time  all  blood, 
dirt,  (fee.  should  be  carefully  removed,  not  only  from 
the  under  part  of  the  tail,  but  from  amongst  the  hair 
also,  and  should  be  kept  clean  until  he  iS  cured,  which 
will  be  about  three  weeks;  by  which  time  should  he 
not  be  fat,  his  condition  will  be  much  improved. 

5th.  The  tail  should  be  taken  out  of  the  pulleys 
every  three  or  four  days,  unplatted,  and  washed  clean 
with  strong  soap-suds. 

6th.  Bleed  every  five  or  six  days,  takino^  from  a 
half  to  a  gallon  of  blood  at  each  bleeding,  and  if  the 
tail  appears  much  inflamed,  bleed  oftener;  it  will 
'emove  fever  and  inflammation,  and  cause  the  wounda 
to  heal  very  quick. 


54  NICRINQ. 

7th.  His  food  should  be  easy  of  digestion,  light 
and  cool,  such  as  bran,  oats,  or  green  food  of  any  kind 
If  the  root  of  the  tail  should  be  inflamed,  (which  is  very 
often  the  case  after  pulleying,)  or  should  small  biles 
appear,  apply  a  little  tincture  of  myrrh,  copperas,  or 
blue-stone  water.  It  very  often  happens,  that  the 
hair  in  the  tail  of  a  nicked  horse  shows  a  disposition 
to  drop,  which  should  be  prevented,  by  washing  the 
tail  in  sharp  vinegar,  and  keeping  it  nice  and  clean 
with  soap-suds.  The  matter  discharged  from  the 
wounds,  if  permitted  to  remain  amongst  the  hair  for 
twenty-four  hours,  will  take  it  off  as  readily  as  a 
knife.  It  is  of  very  great  importance  to  prevent  this, 
IS  the  best  nicked  horse  in  the  world  will  look  ugly,  if 
he  has  little  or  no  hair  in  his  tail;  besides,  it  generally 
takes  twelve  months  to  replace  it. 

Horses  are  sometimes  nicked,  when  their  blood  i? 
in  a  bad  state,  which  is  the  cause  of  their  tails  swelling 
and  showing  marks  of  violent  inflammation ;  to  remove 
which,  it  will  be  only  necessary  to  bleed  plentifully 
and  apply  a  poultice  made  of  a  strong  decoction  of  red 
oak  bark  and  corn  meal 

If  this  operation  should  be  performed  in  a  season 
of  the  year  when  flies  are  troublesome,  the  tail  and 
buttocks  of  the  horse  should  be  anointed  with  stur-' 
geon's  oil,  which  wnll  effectually  remove  them. 

i  shall  now  proceed  to  describe  the  thiid  and  hesl 
mode  of  nicking  every  description  of  horses;  ami 
which,  if  well  attended  to,  will  seldom  oi  never  fail  to 
succeed. 

1st.  The  stall,  pulleys,  halter,  and  manger,  should 
all  be  prepared  for  the  reception  of  a  horse,  previous 
to  being  nicked,  ac  directed  in  the  engraving  pre- 
fixeJ.     The  pulleys  (figure  2)  about  six  or  eight  feet 


NICKING  55 

apjii't,  and  about  the  same  distance  from  the  stable 
floor,  over  each  side  of  the  stall,  and  firmly  fastened 
to  the  wall ;  a  smooth  and  small  cord  is  then  to  be 
passed  through  each  of  the  pulleys,  and  to  each  end 
must  be  confined  two  equal  weights,  as  figure  10  ;  the 
halter  should  be  constructed  and  fastened  as  figure  11; 
the  trough  should  be  securely  fastened  to  the  stall  or 
wall,  to  prevent  its  being  pulled  down,  (figure  8,) 
the  stall  should  be  three  or  three  and  an  half  feet 
wide,  and  not  deep  enough  to  allow  a  horse  to  rub  and 
disfifjure  his  tail,  as  figure  9. 

2d.  The  horse  should  be  confined,  as  figures  5,  6, 
and  3,  and  the  tail  closely  and  neatly  platted  up  and 
clubbed  at  the  end,  or  turned  over  a  small  stick,  and 
securely  tied  with  a  waxed  string,  as  figures  7  and  4. 

3d.  Being  provided  with  a  sharp  knife  and  a  crook- 
ed piece  of  buck's  horn,  and  the  tail  being  turned  up 
by  a  strong  arm,  in  a  direct  line  with  the  back  bone, 
as  before  mentioned,  commence  the  operation  by  mak- 
ing a  transverse  incision,  immediately  across  the  tail, 
one  and  a  half  inches  from  the  root,  and  deep  enough 
*o  separate  entirely  the  tendons  on  each  side  of  the 
under  part  of  the  tail,  which  will  be  found  about  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  from  the  hair  on  the  outer  edge ; 
this  incision  in  the  middle  may  be  shallow.  The  large 
arteries  lie  so  immediately  under  the  tendons,  that  they 
are  often  wounded  or  separated  in  performing  this 
operation,  which  will  be  a  great  advantage  in  the 
healing  of  the  wounds,  instead  of  doing  injury  by  the 
loss  of  blood.  But  whenever  a  horse  may  have  bled 
from  one  to  two  gallons,  the  bleeding  will  readily  stop 
by  placing  the  tail  in  pulleys,  or  by  applying  a  small 
quantity  of  flour  and  salt  to  the  wound,  and  wrap  the 
tail  up  moderately  tight  with  a  linen  rao^,  from.  Mie 

root  to  the  end. 

6*  K 


56  NICKING. 

4th  Make  two  incisions  lengthwise  or  longitudi- 
nally, (commencing  about  two  or  two  and  a  half  inches 
from  the  cross  or  transverse  incision,)  and  about  three 
inches  in  length,  which  will  expose  the  large  tendons 
on  each  side. 

5th.  Make  two  other  incisions  of  the  same  kind, 
commencing  about  one  inch  from  the  second,  and  in 
length  running  within  about  two  inches  of  the  end  of 
the  tail. 

6th.  Make  a  transverse  incision  within  half  an  inch 
of  the  termination  of  the  longitudinal  incisions,  (or 
those  made  lengthwise,)  pretty  deep. 

7th.  With  a  buck's  horn  take  up  the  large  tendons 
in  the  second  incisions,  and  draw  the  ends  out  of  the 
first ;  take  up  those  in  the  third  and  draw  the  ends  out 
of  the  second,  and  at  the  upper  part  of  the  wound  cut 
off  the  tendons  even  and  smooth. 

8th.  With  a  strong  arm  strain  up  the  tail  opposite 
the  second  incisions,  until  the  bone  slips  or  breaks ; 
treat  the  tail  opposite  the  third  incisions  in  the  same 
manner — also  the  fourth  and  last,  which  should  be 
made  across. 

9th.  Wash  the  tail  in  strong  salt  water,  and  the 
horse  may  be  placed  in  a  stall,  turned  in  a  pasture,  or 
elsew^here,  for  two  or  three  days. 

10th.  Wash  the  wound  and  tail  clean  with  strong 
soap  suds,  and  place  the  horse  in  the  pulle}^?,  by  pas- 
smg  a  small  noose  (Figure  1)  over  the  stick  confined 
in  the  hair,  at  the  end  of  the  tail — {Figure  4.) 

1 1th.  Take  from  the  neck  vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood, 
each  week,  until  he  gets  well ;  or  double  the  quantity 
should  the  tail  be  much  inflamed.  He  should  remain 
in  the  pullevs  about  three  weeks,  in  order  to  give  the 
new  flesh  tiine  to  got  ilrm,  and  should  be  washed  onco 


NICKING.  f>7 


a  day  wiV;i  castile  soap,  so  that  it  maybe  kept  entirely 
clean.  The  tail  should  be  taken  out  of  the  pullc\  s 
twice  a  week,  the  hair  unplatted,  and  permitted  to 
remain  down  all  night,  and  the  horse  changed  to  o 
clean  and  large  stall,  with  a  good  bed  of  straw,  for  the 
purpose  of  sleeping  and  refreshing  himself.  Before  he 
is  again  confined,  he  may  be  rode  two  or  three  hundred 
yards,  slow,  and  without  beinf]^  fretted.  Whilst  stand- 
ing  in  the  pulleys,  his  legs  should  be  frequently  bathed 
with  pot-liquor,  in  which  bacon  was  boiled ;  vinegai 
and  sweet  oil,  or  lard  and  spirits  of  any  kind ;  and 
a  mash  should  be  given  him  at  least  once  a  week,  of 
one  gallon  of  bran  or  oats,  with  a  table  spoonful  of 
powdered  brimstone,  and  one  tea  spoonful  of  salt- 
petre; not  permitting  him  to  drink  for  six  hours  after- 
wards. His  halter  should  be  made  of  substantia] 
materials,  to  prevent  his  breaking  loose  whilst  confined 
in  the  pulleys,  pulling  the  hair  out  of  the  end  of  the 
tail,  and  doing  himself  other  injury.  A  bucket  of  salt 
and  water  maybe  given  twice  a  week  during  his  con- 
finement, which  will  be  very  grateful  to  the  taste  and 
cooling  to  the  system. 

12th.  Great  pains  should  be  taken  to  have  the  weights 
to  the  pulleys  equal,  in  order  to  keep  the  tail  in  a  per- 
pendicular direction,  and  prevent  it  from  turning  to 
either  side  during  the  time  of  healing;  as  a  horse  tha'. 
carries  his  tail  round  to  one  side,  instead  of  beins 
elegantly  nicked,  is  ruined.  The  wounds,  occasionally 
should  be  washed  in  blue-stone  or  copperas  water, 
which  will  cause  them  to  heal  rapidly;  the  horse 
should  have  as  much  green  and  light  food  as  he  can 
eat,  such  as  bran,  oats,  &c.  Some  horses  that  are 
nicked  in  this  way,  and  are  pulleyed  only  four  or  five 
pays,  carry  very  handsome  tails;  but  I  am  of  opmioi; 


58  PRICKING. FOXING. 

to  ensure  success,  it  is  necessary  they  should  be  kept 
in  the  pulleys  until  the  wounds  are  perfectly  well. 


@o« 


PRICKING. 

The  pricking  a  horse  has  proved  to  be  as  useless  an 
operation  as  it  is  simple,  seldom  or  never  having  the 
desired  effect;  consequently  the  practice  should  be 
abolished.  Many  nicked  horses  fail  t-o  carry  good 
tails ;  and  much  less  is  it  to  be  expected  from  a  horse 
that  is  pricked.  I  would  recommend  that  the  operation 
should  never  be  performed. 


—tH9@9*-— 


FOXING. 

To  fox  a  horse  is  an  operation  so  simple,  that  it  can 
be  performed  by  almost  any  person.  The  only  skill  is, 
to  select  such  horses  as  will  be  improved  by  being 
foxed.  There  is  an  instrument  generally  used  for  this 
purpose  •  but  the  operation  can  be  performed  very 
correctly  without  it.  The  simplest  and  easiest  mode 
is,  to  take  a  very  small  paint-brush,  and  with  paint 
»hat  will  form  a  contrast  to  the  colour  of  the  horse, 
mark  the  ears  of  the  shape  and  length  you  prefer ; 
Ihen  place  on  his  nose  a  twitch ;  have  one  of  his  fore 


DOCKING.  59 

legs  held  up ;  and  with  a  sharp  Knife  cut  off  the  ears, 
carefully  following  the  line  which  was  previously  made 
witli  the  brush ;  the  skin  will  immediately  slip  down 
and  leave  the  gristly  part  a  httle  naked,  which  nuis», 
be  washed  in  salt  and  water  once  a  day  for  about  a 
week,  after  which  they  should  be  greased  with  a  little 
sweet  oil,  fresh  butter,  or  hog's  lard,  and  they  will  get 
entirely  well  in  two  or  three  weeks.  A  horse  with  a 
small,  thin,  delicate  head,  will  always  be  much  im- 
proved by  being  foxed.  But  a  horse  with  a  fleshy, 
heavy,  thick,  or  long  head,  will  show  with  less  advan- 
tage after  his  ears  are  cut  off,  even  if  he  carried  thcni 
extremely  bad  previous  to  the  operation. 


®o* 


DOCKING. 


Docking  a  horse  is  an  operation  so  simple,  as  to  re 
quire  but  little  skill  or  judgment  in  its  performance. 
A  twitch  is  to  be  placed  upon  the  upper  lip  of  thf> 
horse,  but  not  so  high  as  to  prevent  his  breathing,  (as 
in  the  engraving  for  nicking,  figure  3,) — one  of  his 
fore  legs  must  be  held  up  to  prevent  his  kicking  or 
doing  other  injury,  and  a  waxed  string  must  be  tiea 
very  tight  twice  round  the  tail,  just  above  the  place 
where  it  is  to  be  cut  off;  a  large  block  of  wood  is  to 
be  placed  upon  his  rump,  and  the  tail  turned  up  and 
laid  smoothly  on  the  block  ;  then,  with  a  sharp  ii:)stru 
ment,  you  may  cut  the  tail  the  length  you  prefer, 
(though  horses  docked  short  generally  carry  the  bes! 
Uiils.)  or  after  the  w^axed  string  is  secureJy  tied,  take 


<>0  CASTRATING. 

I  lie  rail  in  one  hand,  and  a  large  knife  (sharpened  on  a 
f)ri(.k  to  give  it  a  rough  edge)  in  the  other,  and  with 
oase,  at  one  stroke,  you  may  cut  the  tail  in  two:  then 
take  a  piece  of  iron,  moderately  hot,  place  a  little  rosin 
in  the  wound,  and  sear  it,  recollecting  to  cut  off  the 
waxed  siring  two  or  three  days  afterwards,  and  grease, 
the  tail  with  a  little  fresh  butter  or  sweet  oil,  which 
will  cause  it  to  heal  very  quickly  afterwards.  When 
a  horse  is  docked,  the  same  tendons,  arteries,  and 
nerves  are  separated,  that  are  divided  in  nicking  ;  and 
it  is  very  rare  that  a  horse's  life  is  endangered  or  lost 
in  consequence  of  performing  either  operation. 


[from  Loudon's  encyclopedia  of  agriculture.] 

CASTRATING  COLTS 

The  time  for  castrating  or  gelding  of  colts  is 
usually  when  they  are  about  a  year  old ;  although 
ihis  operation  is  frequently  suspended  till  the  second 
year,  especially  when  it  is  intended  to  keep  them  on 
hand,  and  without  employing  them  in  labour  till  the 
following  season.  Parkinson  disapproves  of  delaying 
this  operation  so  long,  and  recommends  twitching 
the  colts,  a  practice  well  known  to  the  ram  breeders, 
any  time  after  a  week  old,  or  as  soon  after  as  the 
testicles  are  come  down ;  and  this  method,  he  says, 
he  has  followed  himself,  with  great  success.  Blaine's 
remarks  on  the  subject  of  castration  appear  wor- 
iliv  of  notice :    lie  says,  when  the  breed  is  particu* 


y 


CASTRATING.  01 

larly  good,  and  many  considerable  expectations  are 
formed  on  the  colt,  it  is  always  prudent  to  wait  till 
twelve  months:  at  this  period,  if  his  fore  parts  are 
correspondent  with  his  hinder,  proceed  to  castrate; 
but  if  he  be  not  sufficiently  well  up  before,  or  his  neck 
be  too  long  and  thin,  and  his  shoulders  spare,  he  will 
assuredly  improve  by  being  allowed  to  remain  whole 
six  or  eight  months  longer.  Another  writer  suggests 
for  experiment,  the  spaying  of  mares,  thinking  they 
would  work  better,  and  have  more  wind  than  geldings. 
But  he  does  not  appear  to  have  been  aware  that  this  is 
by  no  means  a  new  experiment ;  for  Tusser,  who  wrote 
in  1562,  speaks  oi  gelding  fillies  as  a  common  practice 
at  that  period.  The  main  objection  to  this  operation 
is  not  that  brood  mares  would  become  scarce,  as  he 
supposes ;  but  that,  by  incapacitating  them  from  breed  - 
Ing,  in  case  of  accident,  and  in  old  age,  the  loss  in  this 
expensive  species  of  live  stock  would  be  greatly 
enhanced.  An  old  or  lame  ,mare  would  then  be  as 
worthless  as  an  old  or  lame  gelding  is  at  present. 


[The  following  mode  of  castrating  colts  is  taken  from  Mr.  SJcinnet  a 
American  Turf  Register  and  Sporting  Magazine.] 

The  operator  must  in  the  first  place  provide  himself 
with  a  strong  rope,  a  couple  of  clamps  for  each  colt, 
(if  he  intends  altering  more  than  one,)  a  little  paste,  a 
ball  of  twine  or  good  thread,  and  a  phial  of  the  following 
mixture : 

R.     Two  tea-spoonfuls  of  red  precipitate. 

One  do.  of  corrosive  sublimatef 

to  be  well  ground   separately,  and  then   intimately 
mixed.     The  clamp  is  made  thus:  Take  a  piece  o^ 


02  CASTRATING. 

elder  six  inches  hng  and  from  three  quarters  to  one 
inch  in  diameter;  bark  it,  and  split  it  through  the  middle, 
and  having  taken  out  the  pith,  cut  one  adjoining  end 
of  each  piece  with  a  slope,  from  the  inside  out- 
wards, about  an  inch,  and  notch  it  on  the  outside,  as 
also  the  other  end  that  is  not  sloped,  that  they  may  be 
securely  tied  together.  Fill  the  hollows  nicely  with 
the  paste,  and  sprinkle  over  it  some  of  the  mixture  in 
phial.  Then  place  the  sloped  ends  together  in  such  a 
manner  that  the  other  ends  will  be  separated  about  an 
inch,  and  tie  them  by  several  turns  of  the  thread  in  that 
position,  thus: 


Every  preparation  being  made;  the  colt  thrown 
and  carefully  tied ;  the  integuments  of  the  testicles  are 
to  be  laid  open,  the  stone  pulled  out,  and  the  epididy- 
mis separated  from  its  adhesion  to  the  lower  end  of 
the  testicle  as  in  the  ordinary  Vv^ay.  The  cord  is  then 
caught  in  one  of  the  clamps,  which  is  pressed  hard 
upon  it,  and  firmly  tied  at  the  open  end.  When  this 
is  accomplished,  the  cord  must  be  cut  directly  off,  close 
to  the  edge  of  the  clamp,  and  a  little  more  of  the  above 
mixture  snould  be  sprinkled  upon  the  ends  exposed  by 
the  knife.  After  the  operation  is  concluded,  the  clamps 
should  be  suffered  to  remain  on  eighteen  or  twenty-four 
hours.  They  may  then  be  taken  off  by  penning  the 
colt  in  a  confined  place,  and  cutting  the  strings  which 
tie  their  blunt  ends.  Neither  swelling,  nor  stiffness, 
uor  any  other  inconvenience  follows  this  operation,  and 
the  animal  appears,  after  he  is  reheved  of  the  clamps, 
as  well  as  ever  he  was.  This  method  may,  with  equal 
efficacy,  be  applied  to  every  other  anmiai  wnose  age 
or  size  renders  the  old  way  precarious. 


FATTENING.  G3 


FATTENING. 


To  fatten  a  horse  in  a  short  space  of  time,  has 
generally  been  considered  a  very  great  art,  and  at- 
tended with  much  difficulty.  Some  authors  are  of 
opinion,  it  is  necessary  for  a  horse  to  swallow  a  certain 
quantity  of  medicine  to  produce  the  desired  effect ; 
while  others  rely  on  an  uncommon  or  peculiar  kind  of 
food ;  but  experience  has  proved  that  both  opinions 
are  erroneous,  and  that  the  few  simples  which  I  shall 
here  recommend,  together  with  good  rubbing  and  a 
particular  manner  of  feeding,  will  accompHsh  the  fat- 
tening of  a  horse  that  is  not  a  garran  or  extremely 
poor,  within  three  or  four  weeks.  After  your  stable 
is  prepared,  (as  directed  in  pages  46  and  47,)  provide  a 
plenty  of  good  sweet  corn,  hom.mony,  oats,  bran,  and 
fodder ;  also  a  sufficient  quantity  of  straw  to  keep  him 
with  a  comfortable  and  clean  bed ;  then  notice  the 
condition  of  the  animal,  for  the  purpose  of  bleeding  in 
the  neck.  Should  he  be  very  poor,  take  from  him  only 
one  quart  of  blood ;  if  in  tolerable  plight,  two  quarts 
— repeating  the  bleeding  at  the  expiration  of  every 
eight  or  ten  days,  until  he  is  fat.  Take  of  flaxseed 
one  pint,  boil  it  to  a  strong  tea  of  one  quart ;  take  ol 
powdered  brimstone,  one  table  spoonful ;  salt-petre, 
one  tea  spoonful ;  of  bran,  one  and  a  half  gallons  ;  mix 
them  all  together,  scalding  the  bran  with  the  tea.  form- 
ing a  mash;  w^hich  may  be  given  every  eight  days: 
not  permitting  the  horse  to  drink  cold  water  for  eight 
or  ten  hours  afterwards.  Take  of  asafoDtida  (which 
can  be  procured  from  any  apothecary's  shop)  half  an 
ounce  ;  wTap  it  in  a  clean  linen  rag,  and  nail  it  in  the 
bottom  of  the  manger  where  the  animal  is  fed;  ai 
first  the  horse  will  eat  unwillingly  where  it  is  placed, 
but  in  a  few  days  he  will  grow  remarkablv  fonu  of  »a 
7 


64  FiVTTENiNG. 

Wljen  you  commence  kind  treatment  towards  a 
liorse  that  has  been  cruelly  used,  let  it  be  with  great 
caution,  or  you  may  produce  a  founder  or  some  other 
injury  ;  those  serviceable  animals  being  too  often  hard 
ased  and  half  starved.  For  three  or  four  days,  allow- 
ance a  horse  you  contemplate  fattening,  to  two  and 
I  half  gallons  a  day,  six  or  eight  bundles  of  fodder, 
)r  an  equal  quantity  of  hay  ;  after  which  you  may 
icep  your  rack  constantly  full  of  long  food,  and  never 
;ermit  the  manger  to  be  entirely  empty:  taking  care 
:.)  change  the  food  every  day,  giving  the  largest  pro- 
jortion  of  bran,  viz. : — bran  and  hommony,  bran  and 
oats,  bran  and  corn,  bran  alone,  oats,  corn,  hommony, 
&c.  &c.  The  food  moistened  occasionally  with  strong 
sassafras  tea,  produces  an  admirable  effect ;  it  whets 
the  appetite,  enriches  the  blood,  and  opens  the  bowels. 
Whenever  a  horse  is  led,  all  dust,  sour  food,  &c. 
should  be  removed  from  his  manger,  which  should 
be  washed  twice  a  week  with  vinegar  and  salt ;  this 
kind  of  attention  will  aid  the  appetite  and  keep  the 
manger  sweet  and  clean.  If  the  season  of  the  year 
you  undertake  to  fatten  in,  affords  green  food  of  any 
kind,  a  little  about  twelve  o'clock  would  assist  you 
much  in  accomplishing  your  object.  In  the  bucket  in 
which  you  water,  throw  a  handful  of  salt,  two  or  three 
limes  a  week;  it  becomes  very  grateful  to  the  taste, 
ifter  a  lew  days'  confinement,  and  will  prevent  his 
pawing  and  eating  dirt.  If  the  object  is  to  fatten  a 
lorse  as  speedily  as  possible,  giving  to  him  unusual 
t.fe  and  spirits,  he  should  not  be  brought  out  of  tho 
stable,  nor  even  led  to  water.  But  if  flesh  is  to  be 
placed  upon  a  horse  to  render  hard  service,  I  would 
recommend  moderate  exercise  once  every  three  days, 
f^arefully  avoiding  fretting  or  alarming  him ;  more  in- 
jury may  be  done  a  horse  by  ifretting  him  one  day 


EXCESSIVE  Fatigue.  65 

than  you  can  remove  in  a  week  by  the  kindest  treat- 
ment. The  hoofs  should  be  cleaned  out  every  morn* 
ing  and  evening,  stuffed  vi^ith  clay  and  salt,  or  fresh 
cow  manure,  to  keep  the  feet  cool  and  prevent  a  swel- 
ling in  the  legs.  A  plenty  of  good  rubbing  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  the  placing  of  flesh  'speedily  on  a 
horse  ;  and  a  blanket  as  a  covering,  at  any  time  except 
the  summer  months,  will  place  on  his  coat  of  hair  a 
beautiful  gloss,  and  add  much  to  his  comfort  and  ap- 
parent value. 


«e@e« 


EXCESSIVE  FATIGUE. 

For  a  horse  to  undergo  very  great  fatigue  without 
injury,  requires  at  least  one  week's  preparation.  Pre- 
vious to  entering  him  on  his  journey,  he  should  be  fed 
plentifully  on  solid  old  food,  such  as  corn,  fodder, 
hay  or  oats,  and  smartly  exercised  from  five  to  ten 
miles  a  day.  He  should  be  well  rubbed  two  or  three 
times  every  twenty-four  hours,  which  will  very  readily 
have  the  effect  of  making  his  flesh  not  only  firm,  but 
hard.  I  have  no  doubt,  from  the  experiments  I  have 
made,  that  any  tolerable  good  and  active  horse  may  be 
rode  one  hundred  miles,  in  a  pleasant  long  day,  with- 
Dut  receiving  any  permanent  injury,  by  observing  the 
treatment  I  shall  here  recommend.  Experience  has 
proved  that  rainy  or  drizzly  weather  is  more  favoura- 
ble to  the  performance  of  an  excessive  hard  ride,  than 
a  day  that  is  fair  or  sultry,  with  sunshine ;  rain  has 
.he  effect  of  keeping  him  cool,  suppling  his  limbs,  ol 
moisten'ng  and   refreshing  him.     On  the  night  pie- 


% 

66  EXCESSIVE  FATIGUE. 

vious  to  his  engaging  in  this  laborious  undertaking 
feed  your  horse  with  one  and  a  half  gallon  of  oats,  oi 
one  gallon  of  corn  and  six  bundles  of  fodder  ;  in  the 
morning  feed  with  one  quart  of  oats  or  corn  only,  and 
offer  some  salt  and  water,  of  which  a  horse  is  apt  to 
drink  but  Httle  early  in  the  morning.  You  then  set 
out  on  your  journey,  in  such  speed  as  is  proportioneil 
to  the  distance  you  contemplate  going  in  the  day.  A 
rider,  who  is  compelled  to  perform  a  long  journey  in 
haste,  and  with  certainty,  in  a  given  time,  should  be 
extremely  particular  in  his  manner  of  riding.  He 
should  bear  lightly  and  steadily  on  his  bridle  and  stir- 
rups, never  jerking,  checking,  or  stopping  his  horse 
suddenly,  or  change  his  gaits  too  frequently  ;  all  these 
thinfTs  have  a  tendency  to  weaken  and  fati":ue  a  horse 
extremely.  A  good  rider  will  more  resemble  the  light 
and  airy  movements  of  a  feather,  than  the  dull  and 
leaden  gravity  of  a  bullet ;  the  same  horse  can  convey 
a  good  rider  twenty  miles  farther  in  a  day  than  he  can 
one  unskilled  in  this  necessary  and  elegant  accomplish- 
ment. After  progressing  about  fifteen  or  eighteen 
miles,  refreshment  will  be  necessary,  not  only  for  the 
horse,  but  the  rider  also.  You  will  then  give  him  a 
bucket  of  salt  and  water  with  two  handfuls  of  corn 
meal  thrown  therein,  and  one  quart  of  oats  or  corn ; 
at  twelve  o'clock  and  at  dinner  time,  feed  and  water  in 
the  same  manner.  Great  care  should  be  taken  to  pre* 
vent  your  i«orse  from  drinking  cold  pond  or  well  water 
or  indulge  in  any  inviting  rivulet  he  may  meet  in  his 
road,  more  than  to  moisten  his  mouth.  It  is  a  prac- 
tice among  hostlers,  when  they  have  no"  particulai 
directions,  to  plunge  horses  that  are  tired  and  heated 
at  twelve  o'clock,  into  cold  pond  water ;  in  preference 
10  which  I  would  advise  that  their  legs  should  be  well 
:ubbed  with  about  half  a  pint  of  any  ]i'\nd  of  spiiits 


EXCESSIVE  FATIGUE.  *  67 

if  our  last  feed  being  at  two  o'clock,  or  dinner  time, 
your  horse  will  require  nothing  more  until  night. 
The  day's  ride  being  performed,  turn  him  into  a  lot  to 
cool  and  wallow ;  ^fter  which  let  him  be  placed  in  a 
stall,  on  a  good  bed  of  straw.  1st.  Offer  him  a  bucket 
of  water.  2d.  Remove  all  dirt  and  dust  from  his  legs 
and  ancles  with  soap  and  warm  water.  3d.  JBathe 
him  from  his  belly  to  his  hoofs  with  equal  parts  of 
vinegar  and  spirits,  to  which  add  a  little  sweet  oil,  fresh 
butter,  or  hog's  lard,  stewing  them  all  together,  and 
make  use  of  the  mixture  as  warm  as  the  hand  can  bear 
it.  4th.  He  must  be  well  curried,  brushed,  and  finally 
polished  with  a  sheepskin  or  woollen  cloth.  5th.  His 
feet  should  be  nicely  cleaned  out,  and  stuffed  with  clay 
and  salt,  or  fresh  cow  manure.  6th.  He  should  be  fed 
with  one  gallon  of  old  corn,  or  one  and  a  half  gallons 
of  oats,  and  six  bundles  of  old  fodder.  Your  horse 
being  now  in  possession  of  every  attention  and  comfort 
you  could  offer  him,  will  soon  be  refreshed,  forget  his 
hard  service,  and  be  again  prepared,  by  the  next 
morning,  to  obey  you  whither  you  may  direct  his 
footsteps.  If  you  nave  more  than  one  day's  journey  to 
perform  with  great  rapidity,  observe  the  same  rules  of 
feeding,  watering,  and  attention,  as  directed  for  the  first 
day,  except  the  feed  at  twelve  o'clock,  which  quantity 
must  be  doubled.  Many  elegant  and  high  spirited 
horses  have  been  ruined  and  rendered  useless  by  per- 
sons wanting  experience  on  the  above  subject,  who 
were  disposed  to  treat  those  faithful  animals  with  eveiy 
kindness  in  their  power;  yet  being  under  the  neces 
eity  of  performing  a  long  journey  in  a  limited  time, 
and  not  knowing  that  the  will  of  a  heated  and  fatigued 
horse  should  be  controlled,  they  have  permitted  him 
^o  eat  |s  much  as  he  pleased,  or  when  heated,  to  drink 
AS  nmch  cold  pond  or  branch  water  as  his  great  'n)rsi 


68  TREATMENT  ON  A  JOURNEY. 

would  induce  him ;  which  have  often  been  the  means  oi 
producing  cholic,  founder,  and  other  diseases,  that  too 
frequently  prove  fatal  in  the  hands  of  a  common  farrier, 
to  which  title  every  hostler,  blacksmith,  and-  every 
blockhead  of  a  servant,  who  does  not  even  understand 
the  currying  of  a  horse,  have  pretensions.  The  loss 
of  two  or  three  quarts  of  blood,  to  a  horse  that  has 
undergone  excessive  fatigue,  will  remove  the  soreness 
and  stiffness  of  his  limbs,  the  natural  consequence  ol 
violent  exertions. 


—m9@9* 


TREATMENT  ON  A  JOURNEY. 

To  perform  a  long  journey,  with  comfort  and  ease 
to  a  horse,  and  satisfaction  to  the  rider,  requires  some 
attention  to  the  feeding,  for  eight  or  ten  days  previous 
to  the  setting  out.  A  horse  uncommonly  fat,  running 
late  at  grass,  fed  with  unsubstantial  food,  such  as 
f)ran,  &c.  or  unaccustomed  to  exercise  and  fatigue,  is 
very  unfit  to  perform  a  journey  on,  unless  prepared  by 
being  fed  on  old  and  solid  food,  for  eight  or  te«  days, 
such  as  corn,  fodder,  oats,  or  hay,  and  given  moderate 
exercise.  A  horse  about  half  fat  is  in  the  best  situa- 
tion  to  bear  the  fatigue  and  labour  of  a  journey  b\ 
following  the  mode  of  treatment  I  shall  here  reconv 
mend.  If  he  is  only  a  tolerably  good  one,  by  the  time 
ne  reaches  his  journey's  end,  should  it  last  four  or  five 
weeks,  his  condition  will  be  much  improved,  if  he  is 
r)Ot  entirely  fat.  1st.  It  is  ne(iessary  to  hav^  your 
•lorse  shod  with  a  good  and  substantial   set  of  shoes, 


TREATMENT  ON  A  JOURNEY.  ftJ) 

taking  care  that  they  fit  easy,  set  well,  and  are  not 
placed  so  near  tlie  inside  of  the  foot  as  to  cut  the 
ankles  in  travelling,  which  often  produces  stiffness, 
considerable  swelling  of  the  legs,  and  sonnetimes  lame- 
ness.  2d.  Exannine  your  saddle,  valise,  portmanteau, 
(harness,  &c.  as  the  case  may  be,  to  discover  if  they  fit 
with  ease  and  comfort  to  your  horse,  taking  care  to  let 
them  undergo  the  same  examination  every  two  or  three 
days.  For  a  saddle  to  fit  properly,  it  must  be  neither 
wide  enough  in  the  tree  to  slip  upon  the  shoulders,  or 
so  narrow  as  to  pinch  or  break  the  skin  on  the  withers, 
the  bolstering  or  stuffing  in  the  pannels  should  be 
adapted  to  the  hollow  spaces  on  each  side  of  the  back 
bone  or  spine.  When  thus  properly  fitted,  a  crupper 
will  be  useless.  3d.  Your  valise  should  be  fastened 
on  by  passing  two  straps  underneath  two  pieces  con- 
fined to  the  valise  pad,  and  through  two  loops  at  the 
back  of  the  saddle;  by  which  means  it  will  be  kept 
steadily  in  its  proper  place,  and  the  rider  will  not  be 
perplexed  by  its  swinging  first  on  one  side,  and  then  on 
the  other,  and  the  danger  of  the  hoi-se  havins^  a  sore 
back  from  friction  wall  be  avoided.  The  only  difference 
between  the  customary  way  of  fastening  a  valise  and 
the  one  I  here  recommend,  is  the  passing  straps  through 
the  loops  to  the  back  of  the  saddle. 

On  the  night  previous  to  your  commencing  your 
journey,  after  your  horse  is  placed  on  a  good  bed 
of  straw,  and  is  well  rubbed,  feed  with  two  gallons 
of  oats,  or  one  and  a  half  gallons  a  old  corn  and 
hommony,  and  eight  or  ten  bundles  of  fodder,  or 
a  quantity  of  hay  equal  to  it.  In  the  mornnig  feed 
with  half  a  gallon  of  oats,  after  which  oflfer  a  bucket 
of  water.  It  is  customary  for  horses  to  be  watered 
before  being  fed ;  but  it  is  much  better  not  to  water  them 
until  afterwards;  a  large  draught  of  water  very  often 


70  TREATMENT  ON  A  JOURNEY. 

destroys  the  appetite,  and  makes  a  horse  dull  and 
sluggish  for  a  whole  day  afterwards.  When  he  is 
watered  in  this  way,  he  seldom  drinks  too  much,  and  his 
mouth  is  washed  clean  and  is  moist  when  he  commences 
his  journey.  It  also  measurably  destroys  his  incclina- 
tion  to  drink  out  of  every  stream  he  may  cross  in  the 
road,  which  is  so  tiresome  and  unpleasant  to  a  rider. 

Being  now  completely  prepared  for  the  contem- 
plated journey,  the  following  rules  must  be  strictly 
observed.  1st.  Never  permit  your  horse,  while  tra- 
velling, to  drink  cold  branch,  well,  or  pond  water,  or 
more  than  is  necessary  to  wet  or  moisten  his  mouth. 
•2d.  Every  time  you  stop  to  feed,  (which  will  be  morn- 
ing, breakfast,  and  dinner  tmie,)  give  him  a  bucket  of 
water,  made  a  little  salt,  with  about  two  handfuls  of 
corn  meal  stirred  in  it ;  he  will  very  soon  grow  fond 
of  it,  and  indeed  prefer  it  to  any  other  drink;  it  cools 
the  system,  relieves  thirst,  and  contains  considerable 
nutriment.  3d.  Whenever  you  stop  for  the  purpose  of 
breakfasting,  let  your- horse  cool  about  ten  minutes; 
then  feed  with  half  a  gallon  of  oats  or  corn,  and  two 
bundles  of  fodder,  not  forgetting  to  offer  him  again  the 
water,  meal,  and  salt.  4th.  At  dinner  time  observe 
the  same  treatment  as  directed  at  breakfast.  5th.  At 
night  (having  arrived  at  the  place  you  intend  stopping 
at)  have  your  horse  turned  into  a  lot,  for  the  purpose 
of  wallowing,  cooling,  (S;:c.  6th.  With  soap  and  water 
have  all  dirt  removed  from  his  'legs.  7th.  Have 
him  placed  on  a  good  bed  of  straw,  then  take  of 
spirits  of  any  kind  half  a  pint,  of  vinegar  half  a  pint, 
niix  them  together,  and  let  his  legs  be  rubbed  with 
the  mixture  until  they  are  dry.  8th.  Let  him  be  welh 
curried,  brushed,  and  rubbed  with  straw.  9th.  Water 
turn  plentifully.  10th.  Feed  him  with  two  gallons  of 
nuts,  or  one,  and  a  half  gallons  of  Curn  or  homrnony, 


TREATMENT  ON  A     OURNEY.  ^  k 


and  eight  or  ten  bundles  of  fodder.  11th.  Let  hjd 
hoofs  be  nicely  cleaned  out  and  stuffed  with  fresh  cow 
manure  ;  this  application  keeps  them  tough,  moist,  and 
cool.  12th.  Change  your  food  as  often  as  possible,  care- 
fully avoiding  using  any  that  is  new,  or  just  gathered. 
( )bserve  the  above  rules  to  your  journey's  end,  except 
your  horse  should  prove  a  great  feeder,  and  in  tnal 
case  you  may  indulge  him  a  little ;  but  the  quantity  ] 
have  here  recommended,  is  enough  for  any  common 
horse  when  travelling.  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  remind 
the  young  traveller  to  inspect  his  horse's  shoes  once  a 
day,  and  whatever  appears  amiss  about  them  to  have 
immediately  rectified.  It  frequently  happens  that  the 
skin  of  young  horses,  unaccustomed  to  travel,  is  chafed 
and  scalded  by  the  friction  of  the  girth;  the  part, 
washed  clean  with  a  little  soap  and  water,  and  then 
washed  with  a  little  salt  and  water,  will  immediately 
cure  and  toughen  the  skin. 

It  often  happens  at  little  baiting  places  or  country 
taverns,  (met  with  on  the  road  by  trave^llers,)  that 
towards  the  end  of  harvest,  servants  are  apt  to  feed 
with  green  oats  or  wheat,  in  consequence  of  the  scar- 
city of  fodder,  unless  otherwise  directed;  food  of  this 
kind  is  poison  to  a  travelling  horse,  and  will  produce  a 
diarrhoea  and  extreme  debility.  It  would  be  much 
better  he  should  not  have  long  food  for  two  weeks, 
than  to  give  it  to  him  green  from  the  field.  When, 
persons  travelling  are  not  attentive  to  their  horses, 
.  they  are  frequently  given  mouldy  oats  and  corn,  which 
is  productive  of  the  worst  effects  ;  there  being  but  few 
kinds  of  food  that  can  be  given  a  horse,  that  will  ter- 
minate his  existence  more  speedily.  Many  of  those 
valuable  animals  have  been  destroyed  by  such  means, 
when  the  owners  have  been  frequently  at  a  loss  to  know 

with  what  disease  or  from  what  cause  they  had  died 

F 


7S  i.QE 


AGE. 

To  \  i  able  to  ascertain  the  age  of  a  horse,  with 
tolerable  certainty,  from  three  to  nine  years  old,  is  a 
subject  of  considerable  importance  to  every  person 
who  may  have  occasion  to  purchase.  Unless  we  pos- 
sess this  information,  we  are  subject  to  the  imposition 
and  to  become  the  sport  of  every  jockey,  whose  vice 
and  depravity  frequently  surpass  those  of  the  most 
untractable  horse.  Some  judges  undertake  to  tell 
the  age  until  a  horse  is  fifteen  or  tw^enty  years  old, 
which  in  my  opinion  is  impossible  ;  they  merely  make 
a  guess,  without  any  rule  by  which  they  are  governed, 
and  four  times  out  of  five  they  labour  under  a  mistake. 
If  I  am  enabled  to  describe  such  marks  and  appear- 
ances as  will  make  any  person  a  judge  of  a  horse's 
age,  from  three  to  nine's  years  old,  I  shall  conceive  1 
have  performed  a  useful  task,  and  shall  be  the  means 
of  preventing  many  impositions.  Horses  that  have 
not  arrived  at  three  years  of  age,  are  unfit  for  use, 
and  those  that  are  more  than  nine,  decrease  in  value 
with  great  rapidity.  All  that  are  particularly  fond  of 
horses,  will  always  be  filled  with  regret  on  viewing  an 
elegant  horse  worn  out  with  old  age,  yet  possessing 
strons:  marks  of  beautv,  and  even  former  fine  and 
irraceful  actions.  It  is  to  be  much  lamented  that  so 
beautiful  an  animal  should  so  soon  feel  decay  and  be  no 
longer  useful.  I  shall  proceed  to  lay  down  such  rules 
for  ascertaining  the  age  of  a  horse,  as  will  enable  any 
man  to  speak  with  tolerable  certainty  on  that  subject, 
livery  horse  has  six  teeth  above  and  below  ;  before  he 
*irrives  at  the  age  of  three  he  sheds  his  two  middle 
'-.eth  by  the  young  teeth  rising  and  shoving  tlie  ola 


AGE.  lis 

ones  out  of  their  place.  When  he  arrive.:  at  the  ago 
of  three,  he  sheds  one  more  on  each  side  of  tlie  middies 
teeth;  when /our  years  old,  he  sheds  his  two  cornei 
and  last  of  his  fore  teeth;  between  four  ami  five  iio 
cuts  his  under  tusks,  and  when  five  will  cut  hij* 
upper  tusks,  and  have  a  mouth  full  and  complete 
his  teeth  appearing  to  have  their  full  growth,  excepi 
the  tusks,  and  will  be  even,  regularly  placed,  ant^ 
pretty  much  grooved  on  the  inside,  with  hollows  Oi 
a  very  dark  brown  colo«ur.  There  is  always  a  verv 
plain  difference  between  colts'  and  horses'  teeth;  the 
colts'  being  without  grooves  and  hollows,  and  nevei 
so  large  and  strong.  Some  horses  are  without  uppei 
tusks  even  to  the  end  of  their  lives;  but  this  is  not^ 
common.  The  appearance  of  the  lower  tusks,  and 
them  fully  grown,  is  the  most  certain  proof  that  the 
horse  is  five  years  old,  even  if  one  of  his  colt's  teeth 
remains  unshed.  At  six  years  ol'd,  the  grooves  and  hol- 
lows in  a  horse's  mouth  begin  to  fill  up  a  httle,  and  theii 
tusks  have  their  full  growth,  with  their  points  sharp, 
and  a  little  concave  or  hollow  on  the  inside.  At  seven 
years  old,  the  grooves  and  hollows  will  be  pretty  weC 
filled  below,  except  the  corner  teeth,  leaving  where  the 
dark  brown  hollows  formerly  were,  little  brown  spots 
At  eight,  the  whole  of  the  hollows  and  grooves  are 
filled  up,  and  you  see  the  appearance  of  what  is  termed 
smooth  below.  At  nine  years  old  there  very  often 
appears  a  small  bill  to  the  outside  corner  teeth ;  the 
pomt  of  the  tusk  is  worn  off",  and  the  part  that  was 
concave  begins  to  fill  up  and  become  rounding ;  th(j 
squares  of  the  middle  teeth  begin  to  disappear,  and  the 
gums  leave  them  small  and  narrow  at  top.  Dealer.^ 
01  horses  sometimes  drill  or  hollow  the  teeth  with 
a  graver,  and  black  the  hollows  by  using  a  hot  iron; 
for  the  purpose  of  passing  an  old  horse  for  a  young 


74  AGE. 

one.  upon  those  who  heive  but  little  or  no  experien'^e 
upon  the  subject.  But  a  dis-cerning  eye  A^ill  readily 
discover  the  cheat,  by  the  unnatural  shape  and  black- 
ness of  the  hollows,  the  dulness  and  roundness  of  the 
tusks,  together  with  the  want  of  squares  to  the  front 
teeth,  and  by  many  other  visible  marks,  which  denotol 
the  advanced  age  of  a  horse. 

Between  nine  and  ten  years  of  age,  a  horse  generally 
loses  the  marks  of  the  mouth,  though  there  are  a 
few  exceptions ;  as  some  horses  retain  good  mouths 
until  they  are  fourteen  or  fifteen  years  old,  with  their 
teeth  white,  even,  and  regular,  and  many  other  marks 
of  freshness  and  vigour.  But  when  a  horse  grows  old, 
it  may  be  discovered  by  these  indications,  which  com- 
monly attend  old  age,  viz. :  The  gums  wear  away  and 
leave  the  roots  of  the  teeth  long  and  slender  ;  the  roots 
grow  yellow,  and  often  brownish ;  the  bars  of  the 
mouth  (which  are  always  fleshy,  plump,  and  dry,  in  a 
young  horse,  and  form  so  many  distinct,  firm  ridges,) 
in  an  old  horse,  are  lean,  smooth,  and  covered  with 
saliva,  with  few  or  no  ridges.  The  eyes  of  a  young 
horse  j^pear  plump,  full,  and  Hvely ;  the  lids  with  few 
vvrinkleb,  the  hollows  above  the  ball  small,  and  \o 
gray  hairs  upon  the  brow,  unless  they  proceed  from 
the  colour  or  marks  of  the  horse.  The  eyes  of  an  old 
horse  apperr  sleepy,  dim,  and  sunk,  and  the  lids  loose 
and  very  much  shrivelled  with  large  hollows  and  the 
brow  grav.  The  countenance  of  a  young  horse  is  bold, 
gay,  and  lively ;  while  that  of  an  old  one  is  sad,  dejected, 
and  melancholy,  unless  mounted,  and  artificial  means 
used  to  give  him  spirit. 

The  chin  of  a  horse,  in  my  opinion,  is  by  far  the 
best  mark  to  enable  you  to  ascertain  his  age,  inasmuch 
as  it  docH  not  admit  of  the  practice  of  those  ajts,  bv 


'  AGE.  76 

which  the  jockey  so  often  passes  off  an  old  broken 
down  horse  for  a  young  one.  The  appearance  of  the 
chin  can  be  changed  only  by  nature  :  and  he  who  will 
become  an  attentive  observer,  will  soon  be  convinced, 
that  it  is  not  more  difficult  to  tell  an  old  horse  from  n 
young  one,  by  the  appearance  of  their  chins,  than  it  is 
for  a  skilful  physician  to  distinguish  a  cheek  of  health 
from  one  that  is  wasted,  diseased,  and  superannuated. 

The  chin  of  a  young  horse  is  round,  full,  plump,  full 
of  w^'inkles,  and  the  pores  close  and  small ;  that  of  a 
horse  advanced  in  years,  flat,  wrinkled,  flabby,  and  the 
pores  open  and  large.  Indeed,  after  some  experience, 
together  with  particular  attention  to  this  mark  of  age, 
there  will  be  but  little  difficulty  of  ascertaining,  with 
certainty,  the  age  of  a  horse  from  three  to  nine  years 
old.  I  have  sometimes  met  with  travellers  on  the 
road,  whom  I  never  before  had  seen,  and  in  travelling 
along,  have  told  the  age  of  their  horses  by  their  chins. 
An  examination  of  the  lips  and  nostrils  of  a  horse, 
may  aid,  corroborate,  and  strengthen  the  opinion  of 
age,  founded  on  the  appearance  of  the  chin.  The  lips 
and  nostrils  of  a  young  horse  are  smooth  and  free 
from  wrinkles,  while  those  of  an  old  one  abound  in 
them. 

Were  I  in  pursuit  of  truth  and  honour,  I  nevei 
should  seek  them  in  the  lower  class  of  dealers  in  horses 
or  horse  jockeys.  Whenever  they  have  a  horse  to 
dispose  of,  they  assure  a  purchaser  he  possesses  every 
desirable  quality,  &c.  and  whenever  they  have  effected 
a  sale,  they  smile  at  their  success,  ana  expose  every 
vice  to  which  the  horse  was  addicted,  to  the  next 
person  they  meet. 

The  physiognomy  of  a  horse  will  assist  much  m 
ascertaining  his  age  ;  but  the  chin  is  certainly  the 
hafcst  guide. 


^6  iLCSH. 


[from  the  AMERICAN  FARMER.] 

AGE  BY  FEELING 

A  vwnderful  discovery  recently  made  in  an  old  Horse^s  age, 

"  '  Tis  to  the  pen  and  press  we  mortals  owe, 
All  we  believe,  and  almost  all  we  know.'* 

Since  the  age  of  that  noble  animal,  the  horse,  aitei 
a  certain  period  of  life,  (that  is  to  say)  after  the  marks 
in  his  incisors  and  cuspidati  are  entirely  obliterated,  to 
be  able  to  ascertain  his  age,  with  any  tolerable  degree 
of  certainty,  appears  to  the  generality  of  "  horse  age 
judges"  to  be  a  subject  of  very  much  uncertainty.  1 
now  take  the  liberty  of  laying  before  the  public, 
through  the  medium  of  your  paper,  an  infallible  method, 
(subject  to  very  few  exceptions)  o'  ascertaining  it  in 
such  a  manner,  after  a  horse  loses  his  marks,  or  after 
he  arrives  to  the  age  of  nine  years  or  over ;  so  that 
any  person  concerned  in  horses,  even  of  the  meanest 
capacity,  may  not  be  imposed  upon  in  a  horse's  age, 
from  nine  years  of  age  and  over,  more  than  three 
years  at  farthest,  until  the  animal  arrives  at  the  age  ol 
twenty  years  and  upwards,  hi/  just  feeling  the  sub- 
maxiUari/  bone,  or  the  bone  of  the  lower  jaw. 

This  method  I  discovered,  by  making  many  ana- 
tomical observations  on  the  skulls  of  dead  horses  and 
repeated  dissections.  In  order,  therefore,  to  elucidate 
the  above,  I  must  in  the  first  place  beg  leave  to  remark ; 
iha    the  submaxillary  bone,  oi   the  lower  jaw  bone 


i«B.  77 


of  all  vouno:  horses,  about  four  or  five  years  of  age. 
immediately  above  the  hifurcation,  is  invariably  tliick 
and  very  round  at  the  bottom ;  the  cavity  of  saia  bone 
being  very  small,  contains  a  good  deal  of  marrow,  and 
generally  continues  in  this  state  until  the  animal  arrives 
at  that  period  which  is  generally  termed  an  "aged 
horse,"  or  until  the  animal  acquires  his  full  size  in 
height  or  thickness ;  or  according  t(,  "porting  language^ 
is  completely  furnished,  with  very  httle  variation.  But 
after  this  period,  the  cavity  as  aforesaid  becomes  larger, 
and  more  marrow  is  contained  therein.  Hence  the 
submaxillary  bone  becomes  thinner  and  sharper  a  little 
above  the  bifurcation. 

This  indelible  mark  may  always  be  observed  in  a 
small  degree  in  horses  above  eight  years  of  age  ;  but  at 
nine  years  old  it  is  still  more  perceptible.  It  continues 
growing  a  little  thinner  and  sharper  at  the  bottom  until 
twelve  years  of  age.  From  thence  until  fifteen,  it  is 
still  thinner,  and  about  as  sharp  as  the  back  of  a  case 
knife  near  the  handle.  From  this  period  until  the 
ages  18,  19,  20,  and  upwards,  it  is  exceedingly  so ; 
and  is  as  sharp,  in  many  subjects,  as  the  dull  edge  of 
that  instrument. 


RULES. 


1st.  Put  your  three  fingers  about  half  an  inch  or  an 
inch  immediately  above  the  bifurcation,  and  grasp  the 
submaxillary  bone,  or  the  lower  jaw  bone.  If  it  is  thick 
at  the  sides,  and  very  round  indeed  at  the  bottom,  the 
animal  is  most  certainly  under  nine  years  of  age. 

2d.  If  the  bone  is  not  very  thick,  and  it  is  per 
ceivably  not  very  round  at  the  bottom,  he  is  from  nme 
to  twelve  years  old,  and  so  on.     From  twelve  to  fifteen, 
the  bone  is  sharper   at  bottom,  and  thinner  at  ine 


7ft  MARKS. 

Sides,  the  bottom  is  generally  as  sharp  as  the  back  of 
a  case  knife;  and  from  15  to  18,  19,  20,  and  upwards, 
without  many  exceptions,  the  bone,  when  divested  of 
its  integuments,  is  as  sharp  as  the  dull  edge  of  that 
mstrument. 

3d.  Allowances  must  always  be  made  between 
heavy,  large  western  cr  wagon  horses,  or  carriage 
horses,  and  fine  blooded  ones.  By  practising  and 
strictly  attending  to  the  above  rules,  upon  all  descrip- 
tions of  horses,  the  performer  in  a  little  time  will  become 
very  accurate  in  the  accomplishment  of  his  desires, 
more  especially  if  he  attentively  observes  the  lower 
iaw  bone  of  dead  horses  " 


— >h9@0<' 


MARKS. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  subject  to  be  found,  that  admits 
of  a  greater  diversity  of  opinion,  than  the  form  and 
number  of  marks  necessary  to  constitute  the  beauty  of 
a  horse.  Many  white  marks,  when  of  irregular  shape, 
and  handsomely  placed,  give  to  a  handsome  horse  a 
gay  and  sprightly  appearance,  lightening  up  the  coun- 
tenance, and  forming  a  beautiful  contrast  to  his  colour. 
Indeed,  marks  are  sometimes  so  irregularly  and  fanci- 
fully placed,  as  not  only  to  please,  but  to  delight  most 
persons  who  are  judges  on  this  subject;  while  others 
of  such  regular,  common,  and  unbecoming  shape,  and 
so  unnaturally  placed  as  to  be  unfavourable  to  beauty 
and  have  a  tendency  to  disfigure  the  animal  they  are 


BLAZE  OR  STAR.  '  79 

intended  to  beautify ;  such  as  a  face  blazed  large,  high, 
and  regular,  like  an  ox  ;  the  two  fore  legs  white  above 
the  knees,  and  no  white  behind ;  one  white  leg  to  the 
knee,  behind  on  the  right ;  one  fore  leg  white  to  the 
knee  before  on  the  left :  a  bald  face  and  no  white  legs* 
a  dim  blaze,  commencing  with  an  awkward  star,  end- 
ing with  a  snip  on  the  one  side,  &c.  &c.  A  horse 
without  marks,  always  has  a  deadness  in  his  aspect — 
and  one  \ve\\  marked,  always  appears  the  more 
beautiful  for  it.  Bat  it  must  be  acknowledged,  by 
every  person  of  experience,  that  a  horse  with  white 
feet,  is  much  more  tender  than  one  without  them. 
Even  in  cases  of  lameness  not  proceeding  from  acci- 
dent, nine  times  out  of  ten,  if  a  horse  has  a  w^hite  foot, 
that  will  be  the  one  that  will  first  fail  him.  White 
feet  are  also  more  subject  to  tlie  scratches  and  other 
diseases,  than  those  of  different  colours,  and  a  very 
remarkable  fact  exists,  that  I  never  have  seen  or  heard, 
in  my  life,  of  a  first  rate  four  mile  heat  racer,  that  had 
a  bald  face  and  white  legs  to  the  knees. 

White  marks  add  to  the  beauty  of  a  horse,  but  les 
sen  his  sei'vices. 


49  @d* 


BLAZE  OR  STAR. 

When  we  have  a  pair  of  horses  thai  matcn  well  in 
every  respect,  except  that  one  has  a  blaze  or  star  in 
the  face,  it  becomes  very  inteiesting  and  important  to 
know  how  to  make  their  faces  match,  and  to  t^vc 

8* 


80  HEAD. 

them  blazes  or  stars  precisely  alike.     This  may  be 
done  in  the  following  manner: — 

Number  1. — Take  a  razor  and  shave  off  the  hair  the 
form  and  size  you  wish  the  blaze  or  star  to  be  made  : 
then  take  a  small  quantity  of  oil  of  vitriol,  and  with  a 
feather  anoint  the  part  once,  which  will  be  quite  suffi- 
cient. After  the  application  of  the  vitriol,  the  part 
will  become  a  little  sore  and  inflamed  ;  which  may  be 
readily  removed  and  healed  up,  by  washing  the  sore 
with  copperas  water.  Great  care  should  be  used  to 
prevent  the  vitriol  from  getting  on  clothes,  as  it  will 
entirely  destroy  them. 

Number  2. — Take  a  piece  of  oznaburgs  the  size  you 
want  the  blaze  or  star:  spread  it  with  warm  pitch  and 
appiy  it  to  the  horse's  face  :  let  it  remain  two  or  three 
days,  by  which  time  it  vvill  bring  off  the  hair  clean, 
and  make  the  part  a  little  tender ;  then  take  of  elixir 
vitriol  a  small  quantity ;  then  anoint  the  part  two  or 
three  times ;  or,of  avery  common  weed  called  as- 
mart,  a  small  handful,  bruise  it  and  add  to  it  about  a 
gill  of  water,  use  it  as  a  w^ash  until  the  face  gets  well, 
when  the  hair  will  grow  out  entirely  white. 


— M»e@9« 


HEAD. 


The  head  of  a  horse  should  be  small,  bony,  thin, 
and  delicate  ;  his  jaws  wide  apart,  yet  thin  ;  his  throttle 
large  and  arched;  his  ears  long,  thin,  narrow,  high 
and  pointing  together  ;  his  eyes  prominent  large  and 


BOD  v.  Ml 

full,  of  a  dark  cinnamon  or  bhck  colour,  bright,  lively, 
and  shining;  his  nostrils  wide,  red,  and  expanded;  his 
moutU  and  lips  thin,  small,  and  plump;  his  chin  full^ 
sharp,  and  delicate  ;  his  face  rather  of  fi  Roman  order 
than  straight,  with  irregular  white,  either  in  a  star  or 
blaze,  to  give  expression  and  light  up  the  countenance 


®6* 


BODY. 

The  body  of  a  horse  should  be  large,  in  ^/roportion 
to  the  balance  of  his  frame,  compact,  round,  and  swel- 
hng;  his  flanks  plump  and  full  ;  and  his  last  or  small 
est  rib,  approaching  near  the  hip  bone,  which  is  never 
placed  too  near  the  point  of  the  shoulders  ;  the  back 
should  be  very  short,  smooth,  and  nearly  even,  neither 
swayed  nor  humped  ;  the  hips  wide  apart,  full,  round, 
and  even  with  the  body.  A  horse  with  a  light  flat 
body,  open  and  gaunt  about  the  flanks,  with  high  spirit, 
long  legs,  &c.  is  unfit  for  any  purpose,  except  for 
show  ;  and  that  not  for  more  than  two  or  three  hours  ; 
for  his  rider,  after  that  time,  as  well  as  every  spectator, 
will  discover  him  sinking  under  fatigue,  and  cor/ipletely 
giving  up. 


S'i  ABCK  AND  SHOUIDERS. LEGS. 


NECK  AND  SHOULDERS. 

The  neck  of  a  horse  should  be  long,  thin,  and  deli- 
cate (indeed  they  are  never  too  long  or  too  delicate) 
growing  deeper  from  the  joining  of  the  head  to  the 
shoulders  ;  the  upper  edge  should  form  the  half  of  an 
arch,  gradually  falling  in  height  and  shape  from  the 
head  to  the  shoulders ;  the  mane  should  be  thin, 
smooth,  and  in  length  half  the  width  of  the  neck. — 
The  shoulders  of  a  horse  should  be  thin,  high,  and 
thrown  very  far  back ;  for  experience  has  proved,  that 
those  with  low^  shoulders  and  high  rumps,  although  they 
may  have  many  good  parts,  can  never  show  to  ad  van 
tage,  and  seldom  make  good  saddle  or  race  horses. 


^9^9*^~ 


LEGS. 


Tilt:  ^ore  legs  of  a  horse  should  bear  a  just  propoi  - 
lion  to  his  size  ;  the  arms  large,  long,  and  full ;  the 
legs  bony,  fiat,  and  sinewy ;  the  pasterns  rather  long 
than  otherwise,  and  tolerably  straight.  Small  lean 
arms,  a  bending  back  or  trembling  of  the  knees,  bow 
tegs,  small  and  round  legs,  extremely  delicate  back 
sinews,  or  those  unnaturally  large,  indicate  weakness 
or  some  injury,  and  should  be  avoided.  The  hind 
pa^'ts  of  a  ho'*se,  from  the  iiip  bone  to  the  houk,  should 
oe  o^  great  length  ;  the  thighs  and  muscles  should  be 
full  large,  and  bulging ;  the  hock  broad,  sinewv  and 


SHOEING.  -  83 

strong;  the  hind  legs  flat,  smooth,  bony,  and  fuh  oi 
sinew,  clear  of  knots,  and  rather  crooked  in  the  hock 
than  straight ;  the  pasterns  of  moderate  length,  small 
and  rather  straight  than  otherwise.  The  hor^ie  should 
be  neither  knock-kneed  or  bow-lesrired,  or  his  feel 
turned  in  or  out;  as  a  horse  thus  shaped,  mcvtjs  ugiy, 
and  never  can  be  sure  felted. 


te@9* 


^  SHOEING 

Diseases  are  sometimes  produced  in  the  feet,  (inm 
which  a  horse  is  never  ao^ain  free  durinsr  his  life ;  it  is 
therefore  important  that  a  valuable  horse  should  not  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  every  blockhead  who  pleases  to 
call  himself  a  horse  shoer,  but  entrusted  only  to  persons 
of  known  skill.  For  a  horse  to  be  well  shod,  the  hoof 
should  be  pared  with  a  buttress,  (instead  of  giving  in 
to  the  cruel  and  injurious  practice  of  burning  the  foot 
with  a  red  hot  shoe  until  it  fits,)  smooth  and  level,  to 
a  reasonable  size;  the  frog  should  be  nicely  trimmed. 
in  shape  a  little  convex,  rather  lower  than  the  foot : 
the  shoes  should  be  made  of  good  and  tough  iron,  and 
precisely  the  shape  of  the  hoof  after  being  trimmed, 
not  so  wide  between  the  heels  as  to  show  on  the  out- 
side, or  so  narrow  as  to  cramp  the  foot,  and  produce 
narrow  heels,  (which  is  a  very  troublesome  disease ; 
The  nails  should  be  made  of  old  horseshoes,  or  some 
other  tough  iron,  with  small  heads,  and  drove  regular, 
smooth,  and   even ;    not  high   enough   to  /  each  the 


84  SHOEING. 

quick,  yet  with  hold  sufficient  to  confine  the  shoe  three 
or  four  months.  The  points  of  the  nails  should  be 
formed  into  neat  and  small  clinches,  and  should  be 
well  driven  up 

Some  taste  may  be  displayed  in  the  rasping  and 
shaping  the  hoof,  alter  the  shoe  is  confined.  When  it 
.s  left  more  sharp  than  flat  around  at  the  toe,  it  adds 
muah  to  its  beauty  and  neat  appearance. 

When  a  horse  is  well  shod,  if  water  is  poured  upon 
the  bottom  of  his  foot,  it  will  not  pass  between  the 
hoof  and  the  shoe.  A  smith,  who  resided  in  Williams- 
burg, in  the  year  1804,  was  in  the  habit  of  shoeing  in 
this  exact  and  elegant  style.  Shoes  for  draft  horses, 
that  have  seldom  occasion  to  go  out  of  a  walk,  should 
be  heavy,  strong,  and  with  high  heels,  and  pointed  at 
the 'toe  with  steel. 

Horse  shoeing  is  what  every  worker  of  iron,  who 
has  acquired  the  name  of  a  blacksmith,  pretends  to  be 
well  skilled  in ;  but  there  are  few  indeed  in  possession 
of  sufficient, knowledge  on  that  subject,  to  make  it  safe  to 
place  under  their  care  a  horse  of  value,  for  the  purpose 
of  being  shod.  To  perform  this  operation  correctly, 
and  without  present  or  future  injury,  requires  not  only 
good  skill  and  judgment,  but  a  thorough  acquaintance 
with  the  anatomy  of  a  horse's  foot,  which  is  a  know 
ledge  but  few  of  our  blacksmiths  are  in  possession  of, 
and  is  the  cause  of  so  many  horses  being  rendered 
useless.  Almost  all  the  diseases  in  the  feet,  are,  more 
or  less,  the  result  of  bad  shoeing,  by  wounding  muscles, 
c'eins  nerves,  or  arteries  in  this  way. 


;-^i*" 


HOOFS. MANE  AND  TAIL.  86 


HOOFS. 


The  hoofs  of  a  horse  should  be  proportioned  to  his 
size  ;  of  a  dark  colour,  smooth,  tough,  and  nearly 
round  ;  not  too  flat  nor  too  upright,  and  the  bottom 
hollow.  White  hoofs  are  much  more  tender  than  any 
other  colour,  nor  do  they  retain  or  bear  a  shoe  so  well. 
One  that  is  flat,  turning  up  at  the  toe  or  full  of  ridges, 
or  flat  and  pumiced  on  the  under  side,  strongly  indicates 
founder  or  other  injury.  If  the  hair  lie  smooth  at  the 
top  of  the  hoof,  it  is  an  evidence  of  its  being  good, 
should  there  be  nothing  unnatural  in  its  shape ;  but  il 
the  hair  stands  up  and  appears  rough,  and  the  flesh 
swelled  a  little  beyond  the  circle  of  the  hoof,  it  is  a 
proof  the  foot  is  in  some  way  diseased  and  a  ring  bone 
may  be  apprehended. 


®e* 


MANE  AND  TAIL. 

The  mane  and  tail  of  a  horse,  when  th^  hair  is  even, 
smooth,  long,  and  well  proportioned,  adds  much  to 
the  beauty,  boldness,  and  majesty  of  his  figure.  Great 
judgment  and  taste  may  be  displayed  in  the  trimming 
and  proportioning  those  two  ornaments.  A  very  large 
horse,  even  if  elegant,  appears  mean  and  trifling  if  you 
attach  to  him  a  little  rat  tail  ^  one  very  small  with  a 
monstrous  long^,  bushy  tail ;  or  a  square,  narrow 
hipped,  lathy  horse,  with  a  small  bob  tail,  onl  /  serves 


86  EYES. 

to  point  out  his  imperfections,  and  attach  to  his  ap- 
pearance an  idea  of  insignificance  and  meanness.  One 
with  a  remarkably  long  body,  with  a  thin  switch  bob 
tail,  bears  no  better  proportion  than  the  legs  and  thighs 
of  a  dwarf  to  the  head  and  body.  A  large  horse, 
reached  and  bobbed,  never  shows  to  advantage,  as  the 
appearance  of  the  riding  horse  is  given  up,  and  the 
round  and  snug  appearance  of  the  nimble  footed  pony 
can  never  be  attained.  For  a  horse  to  look  well  with 
a  bob  tail,  he  should  be  plump,  round,  full,  and  com- 
pact ;  but  all  tails  that  are  full  of  hair,  show  to  much 
more  advantage  than  those  that  are  thin  and  frizzled. 
Previous  to  a  tail's  being  trimmed,  great  respect 
should  be  paid  to  the  shape  and  proportion  of  the 
horse,  and  the  tail  should  be  made  an  equal  propor- 
tionable part.  The  manes  of  all  horses,  except  ponies, 
should  be  long,  smooth,  and  reaching  at  least  half  way 
down  the  neek ;  nothing  can  more  disfigure  him  than 
a  short  frizzled  mane :  it  even  alters,  apparently,  the 
shape  of  the  neck,  and  when  once  in  this  situation,  it 
will  take  twelve  months  to  grow  of  proper  length. 
The  mane  of  a  horse  may  be  combed  two  or  three 
limes  a  day,  as  a  thin  mane  looks  well ;  but  his  tail, 
if  well  proportioned  and  elegant,  should  not  be  combed 
oftener  than  twice  a  week. 


to^e* 


GOOD  AND  BAD  EYES.       ' 

The  eye  is  an  organ  of  more  use  and  more  value 
than  any  that  belongs  to  the  horse,  and  should  always 
undergo   an   examination  by  a   purciiaser    with   the 


EVES.  87 

greatest  attention  and  minuteness.  Nothing  can  more 
afTect  his  value  than  the  want  of  vision ;  as  any  *)legant 
horse,  that  would  readily  command  in  cash  two  hundred 
dollars,  if  blind,  in  all  probability,  would  be  Will  sold 
at  fifty  dollars,  which  plainly  proves  the  necessity  and 
importance  of  using  on  this  subject  the  greatest 
caution. 

To  give  a  full  description  of  the  anatomy  of  a  horse's 
eye,  would  take  up  more  room  and  time  than  can  at 
present  be  devoted  to  this  topic:  the  reader  must  be 
content  with  a  description  of  those  parts  most  familiar 
and  most  important. 

The  eye  is  the  organ  of  sight,  whereby  the  ideas  of 
all  outward  objects  are  represented  to  the  comm.on 
sensory ;  its  form  is  a  convex  globular,  covered  by  its 
proper  hds,  and  enclosed  within  an  orbit  or  socket:  the 
eyelids  preserve  the  eye  from  dust  or  external  injury, 
and  an  expansion  of  the  muscles  and  skin,  the  inner 
membrane  being  of  an  exquisite  contexture,  that  it 
may  in  no  manner  hurt  or  impair  the  surface  of  the 
eye :  their  edges  have  a  cartilaginous  or  gristly  rim, 
by  which  they  are  so  fitted  as  to  meet  close  together 
at  pressure ;  the  orbit  or  cavity  in  which  the  eye  is 
situated,  is  lined  with  a  very  pliable,  loose  fat,  which 
is  not  only  easy  to  the  eye  in  its  various  motions,  but 
serves  to  keep  it  sufficiently  moist,  as  the  lachamaVml 
glands,  seated  in  the  outer  corner  of  the  eye,  serve  t') 
moisten  its  surface,  or  wash  ofi'  any  dust  or  dirt  that 
may  happen  to  get  into  it:  at  the  inner  corner  of  tlie 
eye,  next  the  nose,  is  a  carbuncle,  which  some  are  oi 
opinion  is  placed  to  keep  that  corner  of  the  eye  front 
being  entirely  closed,  that  any  tears  or  gummy  matter 
may  be  discharged  even  in  time  of  sleep,  or  into  the 
punctua  lackamalla,  which  are  little  holes  for  the 
9  G 


88  EYES. 

purpose  of  carrying  off  any  superfluous  moisture  or 
tears  into  the  nose:  the  eve  has  four  coats  or  mem- 
branes,  and  three  humours ;  the  first  membrane  is  called 
tunika  adnata,  and  covers  all  that  part  of  the  eye  that 
in  a  man  appears  white,  but  in  a  horse  is  variegated 
with  streaks  and  spots  of  broWn,  and  being  reflected 
back,  lines  the  inside  of  the  eyelids,  and  by  that  inver- 
sion becomes  the  means  to  prevent  motes,  dust,  small 
flies,  or  any  extraneous  matter  getting  behind  the  eye- 
ball into  the  orbit,  which  would  be  extremely  danger- 
ous :  this  coat  is  full  of  blood  vessels,  which  appear  in 
little  red  streaks  on  the  human  eye  when  inflamed, 
and  when  there  is  but  little  white  in  the  eyes  of 
horses,  they  appear  fiery,  and  the  eyelids,  when 
opened  and  turned  back,  look  red :  the  second  coat  has 
its  foiepart  very  strong  and  transparent,  like  horn, 
and  is  therefore  called  the  cornea ;  and  the  other  pajt, 
which  is  opaque  and  dark,  is  called  the  schlerotis  : 
under  the  cornea  lies  the  iris,  which  in  a  horse  inclines 
to  cinnamon  colour :  the  middle  of  this  membrane, 
or  coat,  is  perforated  for  the  admission  of  the  rays 
of  light,  and  is  called  the  pupil :  under  the  iris  lies 
the  processes  ciliares,  which  go  ofl'  in  little  ra3''s,  and 
'n  a  sound  eye  are  plainly  to  be  seen.  As  often 
as  these  processes  contract,  they  dilate  the  pupil, 
which  may  always  be  observed  in  places  where  the 
ight  is  small ;  but  in  a  strong  light,  the  circular  fibres 
of  the  iris  act  as  a  sphincter  muscle,  and  lessen  the  size 
of  the  pupil ;  and  therefore  a  dilated  and  wide  pupil,  in 
a  strong  light,  is  generally  an  evidence  of  a  bad  eye. 
Under  the  schlerotis  lies  the  choroides,  which  is  the 
third  coat  of  the  eye :  in  men  it  is  of  a  dusky  brown 
but  in  horses  the  greater  part  of  this  coat  is  white, 
which  enables  them  to  see  bodies  of  all  colours  better 
liian  men  in  the  night,  as  white  reflects  all  colours 


EYES.  89 

But  horses  and  other  animals  that  feed  on  grass,  have 
some  parts  of  this  membrane  of  a  light  green,  which 
enables  them  to  see  with  little  light,  and  makes  grass 
an  object  that  they  can  discern  with  greatest  strength, 
and  therefore  it  is  sometimes  called  tunicia  uvea, 
from  its  resembling  the  colour  of  a  grape.  The  inner- 
most or  fourth  coat  is  called  the  memhrana  retina^ 
which  is  only  an  expansion  of  the  optic  nerve  upon 
the  choroides,  and  encompasseth  the  glossy  humour 
like  a  net.  By  the  continuation  of  the  rays  of  light 
upon  the  fine  filaments  of  this  membrane,  all  the 
external  images  are  conveyed  by  the  optic  nerves  to 
the  brain.  Within  the  coats  of  the  eye  are  seated  the 
three  humours  that  chiefly  compose  the  eyeball ;  the 
first  is  the  aqueous  or  watery  humour,  which  lies 
foremost  and  seems  chiefly  as  a  proper  medium  to 
preserve  the  crystalline  humours  from  injuries  in  case 
of  wounds,  bruises,  or  any  other  external  cause. 
Behind  the  aqueous  humour  lies  the  crystalline  lens, 
in  a  very  firm  membrane  called^  arena,  being  like  a 
spider's  web — its  use  is  to  refract  the  rays  of  light 
that  pass  through  it,  so  that  all  the  rays  proceeding 
from  the  same  point  of  any  object,  being  first  refracted 
on  the  cornea,  may  be  united  on  the  retina — the 
vitreous  humour  lies  behind  the  crj^stalline,  being  con- 
cave on  its  foreside  to  make  a  convenient  lodgement  for 
the  crystalline,  and  its  hinder  part  convex  agreeable 
to  the  globular  form  of  the  eye,  upon  which  the  tunica 
retina  and  choroides  aie  spiTad :  this  humour  pos- 
sesses a  space  larger  than  the  other  two,  and  being  ol 
a  hue  like  a  light  coloured  green  glass,  is  a  proper 
medium,  not  only  to  keep  the  crystalline  humour  and 
the  retina  at  a  proper  distance  from  each  other,  but  by 
Its  colour  to  prevent  the  rays  o^  light  fallina;  too  tor 


90  EVES. 

ribly  uTvor.  the  latter,  which  might  weaken  or  impair 
the  sight. 

The  eyes  of  horses  differ  so  widely  in  their  appear- 
ance,  that  the  best  judges  will  be  sometimes  mistaken 
as  to  their  power  of  vision ;  but  I  shall  here  recom- 
mend such  modes  of  examination  as  will  rarelv  de- 
reive,  having  already  described  that  organ  fully,  when 
in  its  most  perfect  state. 

For  the  purpose  of  making  a  fair  trial  of  a  horse's 
eyes,  that  you  suspect  to  be  bad,  and  to  ascertain  their 
quahty, 

1st.  Have  him  confined  in  a  dark  stable  about  fif- 
teen minutes,  then  led  hastily  out  into  a  strong  light: 
if  he  wunks  fast,  wrinkles  his  brows,  throwing  liis 
head  up  as  if  desirous  of  receiving  more  light,  and 
moves  his  ears  backwards  and  forwards  slowly,  in  an 
unmeaning  manner,  his  eyes  are  not  good. 

2d.  If  his  eyes  appear  sunk,  with  the  lids  shrivelled 
or  very  much  swelled,  it  is  a  proof  they  have  received 
an  injury. 

3d.  It  the  bnll  of  the  eye  appears  covered  with  a 
film,  or  the  remains  of  one  about  the  corners,  with  the 
pupil  large  and  light  coloured,  without  occasionally 
contracting  with  a  look  wild  and  vacant,  his  eyes  are 
diseased. 

4th.  If  he  can  be  rode  against  a  tree  or  any  other 
object  which  he  should  avoid,  and  which  should  alarm 
him,  his  eyes  are  bad. 

5th.  If  when  moved  he  lifts  his  feet  high  and  awk- 
wardly, and  appears  not  to  know  where  he  is  abput  to 
place  them,  you  may  immediately  conclude  he  is  blind. 

Gth.  If  when  rode  over  small  gullies  or  old  coin 
Ciound,  he  blunders  much,  and  requires  the  constant 
attention  of  the  rider  to  guide  him,  his  eyes  are  not 
good. 


EYES.  91 

7lh.  If  you  shake  your  hand  near  his  eyes  in  such 
a  manner  that  he  cannot  feel  the  wind  from  it,  and  he 
pays  no  attention  to  it,  by  winkmg  quick,  and  moving 
his  ears,  his  eyes  are  such  as  should  not  be  made 
choice  of. 

8th,  If  at  night,  when  you  approach  him  with  a 
candle,  and  the  pupil  of  his  eye  looks  large,  of  a  light 
blue  colour,  without  having  near  its  middle,  and  on  the 
upper  part,  little  rough  spots,  of  a  dark  brown  colour, 
resembling  moss,  or  ii  the  pupil  contains  large  white 
opaque  lumps,  the  horse  is  either  blind  or  occasionally 
subject  to  bhndness,  and  shoula  be  avoided  by  a 
purchaser. 

The  eyes  of  some  horses  are  very  subject  to  films, 
vhich  have  been  sometimes  removed  by  large  bleed- 
ngs,  or  the  use  of  double  refined  loaf  sugar,  or  glass 
Dottle,  powdered.  Eyes  thus  affected  are  much  to  be 
dreaded,  as  it  is  verv  difficult  to  discover  them.  One 
hard  ride  will  make  a  horse  blind;  and  one  large 
bleedino^  will  remove  the  film.  To  detect  such  eyes, 
examine  minutely  the  corners,  as  the  film  leaves  those 
parts  of  the  eye  last,  and  will  appear  there,  when  ii 
has  been  removed  from  the  middle  of  the  eve  foi 
several  days. 

The  eyes  of  a  horse  arc  never  too  large,  but  very 

frequently  too  small ;  and  when  shaped  like  a  pig's, 

are  neither  durable  nor  handsome,  and  form  a  serious 

objection.     The  wall  or  white  eyes  are  truly  valuable, 

being  much  hardier  and  less  subject  to  disease  thar 

eyes  of  any  other  description  ;  for  who  ever  recollects 

io  have  seen  a  horse  blind,  or  even  with  diseased  eyes. 

that  had  wall  eyes  ?  and  unquestionably  they  can  see 

betier  in  the  night  than  a  horse  without  them. 
9* 


'^2  EYES. 

The  ejes  of  a  horse  should  be  large,  round,  full; 
lively,  dark  coloured,  clear,  and  shining,  that  you  maj^ 
see  far  into  them ;  and  when  moving,  but  little  of  the 
white  should  appear.  Dealers  in  those  animals  are 
very  apt  to  endeavour  to  lead  a  purchaser  from  any 
defect  he  by  chance  may  discover  about  a  horse,  to 
some  part  without  fault,  or  some  of  his  best  parts ;  and 
as  to  eyes,  speak  of  them  as  if  they  were  of  little  or  no 
consequence.  Purchasers  should  always  be  on  their 
guard  when  dealing  with  men  that  possess  so  much 
artifice  and  cunning. 


ie^e« 


MOON  EYES. 


We  sometimes  observe  the  eves  of  a  horse  to  change 
colour,  and  to  vary  in  appearance  monthly.  Eyes  thus 
affected,  are  called  moon  eyes,  from  the  prevailing 
opinion  that  the  affection  incieases  or  decreases  with 
the  course  of  the  moon ;  insomucli  that  in  the  full  moon 
the  eyes  are  muddy,  discharging  a  thin  ichorous  water 
so  sharp  as  sometimes  to  excoriate  the  skin,  and  at 
new  moon  clear  up  again.  At  first  appearante  of  this 
disease,  the  eyes  are  much  swelled,  and  very  often 
shut,  and  the  whole  eveball  of  a  muddv  brown;  the 
veins  of  the  temple,  and  near  the  eyes,  appear  remark- 
ably full  of  blood,  and  both  eyes  are  seldom  afiected 
at  the  same  time.  Larf^e  bleedincrs,  and  the  eyes 
washed  frequently  in  cold  water,  give  temporary  relief; 
but  this  disease  is  the  forerunner  of  a  cataract,  which 
seldom  admits  of  a  cure ;  the  cases  generally  end  in 
txmdness  of  one,  if  not  both  eves. 


STARTING  03 

The  e}es  of  horses  are  very  frequently  wounded 
and  injured  by  blows,  flies,  accidents,  &c.  which  can 
always  be  distino^uished  from  diseased  eves  by  a 
proper  examination.  To  perform  a  cure,  when  thus 
injured,  wash  them  three  or  four  times  a  day  in  clean, 
cold  spring  water,  after  which  repeat  the  washing, 
adding  a  small  quantity  of  sugar  of  lead  to  the  water. 
when  the  eye  gets  strong  enough  to  open  of  its  own 
accord,  in  the  light.  Should  a  film  appear  on  the 
surface,  (which  is  absolutely  necessary,  if  the  eye  has 
received  a  wound,  before  it  can  heal,)  take  of  double 
refined  loaf  sugar,  or  glass  bottle  powdered  to  a  fine 
dust,  a  small  quantity  in  the  end  of  a  quill ;  blow  it 
m  the  eye  affected,  every  third  morning  for  a  week : 
bleed  at  least  three  times  within  the  w^eek,  takinc! 
about  half  a  gallon  of  blood  at  each  bleeding ;  if  the 
horse  is  not  disposed  to  go  blind,  the  cure  will  in  a  shor* 
time  be  completed. 


®9* 


STARTING. 

Horses,  as  Wdl  as  men,  sometimes  acquiie  ban 
habits,  of  which  they  can  but  seldom  divest  themselves. 
Starting  is  one  among  the  worst  habits  a  horse  can 
possess,  and  has  a  tendency  to  reduce  his  value  at  least 
one  fourth,  in  consequence  of  endangering  the  life  oi 
any  person  who  may  back  him.  A  good  rider  haa 
sometimes  been  thrown  by  his  horse  in  starting,  that 
would  have  defied  his  agility  in  any  other  way. 

A  rider  never  can  guard  against  a  starting  horse,  as 
he  gives  no^notice  of  his  intentions,  by  the  moving  ol 


94  STARTING. 

his  ears,  eyes,  manner  of  going,  &:c.  as  they  generally 
do  in  rearing,  jumping,  kicking,  sullenness,  and  such 
vices.  Some  few  horses  are  broke  of  starting  by  mild 
means,  others  by  cruel  treatment ;  but  whoever  engages 
in  it,  at  least  runs  the  risk  of  breaking  his  own  neck 
before  his  object  is  accomplished. 

A  horse  subject  to  starting,  labours  under  an  ocular 
deception,  or  rather  an  optic  defect,  seeing  nothing' 
perfectly,  or  in  proper  shape  or  colour ;  and  can  as 
easily  make  a  scare-crow  of  a  little  bush  or  chunk,  that 
may  happen  to  lay  in  his  road,  as  the  most  frightful 
object  that  could  meet  his  sight. 

To  ascertain  that  a  horse  starts,  is  very  easy  indeed. 
Mount  him  yourself,  ride  first  slow,  and  then  fast, 
towards  and  by  such  objects  as  are  offensive  to  the  eye, 
and  you  will  readily  discover  if  he  possesses  that  bad 
habit. 

Some  horses  that  are  free  from  this  objection,  will 
notice  particularly  all  objects  they  meet,  and  may  sidle 
a  little  ;  but  a  starting  horse,  on  approaching  any  objec 
that  may  displease  him,  whether  frightful  or  not,  will 
either  suddenly  spring  from  one  side  of  the  road  to  the 
other,  jump  back,  or  when  going  in  a  full  gallop,  stop 
suddenly,  turn  round,  and  run  in  an  opposite  direction 
from  the  one  he  was  going.  Such  horses  are  neithei 
agreeable  or  .^afe  for  any  kind  of  service. 


STUMBLING.  1  5 


STUMBLING. 

The  stumbling  of  a  horse  may  be  either  natural 
or  produced  by  accidents,  such  as  sphnt,  wind  galls,, 
sinew  strains,  shoulder  sprains,  withers  injured,  &c. 
dzc.  but  whether  produced  by  accident  or  natural 
defect,  cannot  be  remedied.  All  horses,  and  particu- 
larly those  that  go  well,  stumble  more  or  less ;  but  there 
is  a  very  wide  distinction  between  a  light  tip  or  touch 
on  the  foot,  and  a  stumble  that  will  bring  a  horse  and 
sometimes  his  rider  fiat  in  the  dirt.  Horses  given  to 
this  practice,  are  very  much  lessened  in  value,  and  can 
never  be  rode  by  any  person  aware  of  his  bad  quality, 
without  being  in  pain,  dreading  every  tirriC  ne  lifts  his 
ieet,  that  all  will  be  prostrated  la  tne  dust. 

To  ascertiilii  it  a  horse  stumbles, 

1st.  Examine  well  his  knees,  to  discover  if  they  are 
scarred,  or  the  hair  knocked  off. 

2d.  Take  him  amongst  uneven  ground,  small  gullies, 
or  old  corn  ground,  and  let  him  be  rode  w^ith  the  bridle 
hanging  slack  upon  his  neck,  in  all  the  different  gaits 
he  has  been  accustomed  to,  and  if  he  is  in  the  habit  of 
stumbling,  he  will  very  soon  make  a  sufficient  number 
of  low  bows  to  convince  you  of  the  fact. 

3d.  When  a  horse  stumbles  and  immediately  springs 
off*,  appearing  alarmed,  it  is  a  proof  that  he  is  an  old 
offender,  and  is  under  the  apprehension  of  having  one 
other  ffogging  added  to  the  great  number  he  nad,  no 
doubt,  received  for  the  same  fault.  Such  a  horse  J 
consider  unsafe,  and  therefore  cannot  recommend  him 
to  purchasers ;  he  being  not  so  good,  even  for  a  slow 
dralt,  as  one  possessing  more  activity. 


'•n  SPAVIN. 


SPAVIN. 

A  spAviiVED  horse  may  be  considered  as  one  com- 
.  pletely  ruined,  for  a  permanent  cure  can  rarely  be 
effected,  if  attempted,  even  on  its  first  appearance. 

The  spavin  is  a  lump,  knot,  or  swelling,  on  the  inside 
of  the  hock,  below^  the  joint,  that  benumbs  the  limbs, 
und  destroys  the  free  use  of  the  hind  legs.  It  causes 
a  horse  to  be  extremely  lame,  and  to  experience, 
apparently,  very  excruciating  pain. 

In  the  purchase  of  a  horse,  great  respect  should  be 
paid  to  his  bringing  up  his  hind  parts  well,  as  a  spavined 
horse  never  makes  a  full  step  with  the  leg  affected ; 
also  to  the  shape  of  his  hocks,  in  order  to  discover 
if  there  is  any  knot  or  unnatural  prominence  about 
the  joint,  which  is  an  evidence  of  the  spavin.  When 
a  horse  is  thus  diseased,  he  is  unfit  for  any  kind  of 
service,  even  the  meanest  drudgery,  being  in  constant 
pain,  and  unable  to  perform.  Horses  sometimes  have 
the  spavin,  when  there  is  no  lump  apparent  near  the 
joint,  the  disease  being  seated  in  the  joint.  To  detect 
such  spavin,  and  to  prevent  a  cunning  fellow  (who  may 
have  given  the  animal  rest,  blistered  and  bathed  the  part 
with  double  distilled  spirits,  and  formed  a  temporary 
relief,)  from  imposing  on  a  purchaser,  have  the  horse 
rode  m  three  quarters  speed,  about  one  mile  out  and 
back,  occasionally  fretting,  cracking,  and  drawing  nini 
up  suddenly  and  short ;  after  which  let  him  be  rode 
in  c^old  water  up  to  the  belly ;  then  pJace  him  in  a  stall 
without  interruption,  for  about  half  an  hour,  by  which 
lime  h^  will  be  perfectly  cool ;  then  have  him  led  out, 
and  moved  gently:  if  he  has  received  a  temporary 


CPLTX  BITING.  Q7 

cure  of  the  spavin,  he  will  show  lameness.  A  blistc 
of  Spanish  flies  applied  to  the  part  affo'^.ted  (aftei 
shaving  off  the  hair)  with  a  bath  of  strong  spirits  oi 
vinegar,  and  a  week's  rest,  will  frequently  suspend 
the  lameness  produced  by  the  spavin  for  a  time,  but  a 
radical  cure  may  not  be  exoected. 


"•S^Q* 


CJllB  BITING. 

Crib  Biting  is  one  amonc^st  the  number  of  bad 
habits  to  which  some  horses  are  addicted.  It  consists 
in  his  catching  hold  of  the  manger,  grunting  and 
sucking  in  wind,  until  he  is  almost  ready  to  burst.  To 
discover  this  vice,  it  is  only  necessary  to  have  a  horse 
fed:  whenever  they  eat,  at  least  one  half  of  his  victuals 
is  wasted,  by  tjeir  catching  hold  of  the  manger, 
grunting,  straining,  and  swallowing  large  quantities  oi 
wind  every  two  or  three  mouthfuls,  which  produces 
the  cholic  and  other  distressina:  diseases. 

Whenever  this  very  bad  habit  is  acquired,  it  is 
practised  as  long  as  the  animal  lives.  Many  experi- 
ments and  fruitless  attempts  have  been  made  to 
remedy  it,  but  without  success.  An  elegant  horse, 
when  once  he  becomes  a  crib  biter,  is  reduced  in  value 
to  little  or  nothing.  He  always  looks  hollow,  jaded, 
and  delicate,  and  is  incapable  of  rendering  sei'vice  in 
any  situatior 


W  BROKEA  W1.VU 


BROKEN  WIND 

Broken  Wind  is  one  amonfi:st  the  number  ot 
mcLirable  diseases  to  which  the  horse  is  subject.  When 
affected  with  this  disease,  he  is  disagreeable  to  his 
rider,  and  is  of  but  httle  vahie,  however  beautiful  or 
elegant  he  may  be  in  his  appearance.  All  the  boasted 
pretensions  of  farriers  to  cure,  are  vain  and  frivolous, 
since  their  utmost  skill,  now  and  then,  can  only  palliate 
the  symptoms,  and  mitigate  their  violence. 

It  is  easy  to  discover  a  broken  winded  horse.  By 
giving  him  a  little  brisk  exercise,  he  will  draw  up  his 
rianks  and  drop  them  suddenly,  breathe  with  great 
difficulty,  and  make  a  disagreeable  wheezing  noise. 
The  seat  of  the  disease  appears,  from  dissection,  to  be 
in  the  lungs;  the  heart  and  lungs  being  found  of  twice 
their  natural  size,  wdiich  prevents  their  performing  their 
office  with  ease,  in  the  action  of  respiration. 

Broken  wind  is  sometimes  produced  in  a  horse  by 
excessive  fatigue,  heavy  drafts,  sudden  changes  from 
heat  to  cold,  and  other  cruel  treatment.  It  would  be 
advisable  to  dispose  of  such  horses  at  any  price,  as 
they  are  not  worth  their  feeding. 

This  complaint,  I  believe,  does  not  admit  of  perfect 
cure:  but  by  much  care  may  be  greatly  relieved. 
The  food  should  be  compact4inyi,..nutritious,  such  as 
corn  and  old  hay.  Carrots  are  excellent  in  this  case, 
as  are  paisnips  and  beet  roots,  probably  on  account  of 
ilio  saccharine  matter  they  contain.  I  have  heard 
that  molasses  has  been  given  in  the  water  (which 
should  be  in  very  small  quantities)  wfth  very  great 
w"ipf>pss.     Some  have  used  tar  water ;  others  praise 


STRING  HALT.  &9 

the  effects  of  lime  water;  but  the  greatest  dependence 
should  be  in  very  sparing  supplies  of  substantial  food. 
The  exercise  ought  to  be  regular,  but  never  beyond  a 
walking  pace.  If  the  symptomatic  cough  should  be 
troublesome,  take  away  about  three  quarts  of  blocd 
every  other  day. 


— wt9@9^ 


STRING  HALT. 


The  string  halt  affects  horses  in  their  hind  legs, 
and  consists  in  a  false  action  or  involuntary  use  of  a 
muscle,  which  twitches  one  of  the  legs  almost  up  to 
the  belly,  and  sometimes  both.  The  string  halt  is 
produced  by  a  muscle  being  over  strained,  or  a  violent 
blow  on  the  hind  parts.  Good  rubbing,  and  baths  ot 
warm  vinegar  and  sweet  oil,  afford  momentary  relief, 
but  a  permanent  cure  may  not  be  expected.  A  horse 
thus  injured,  is  incapable  of  faithfully  performing  a 
journey,  although  he  may  be  rode  four  or  five  miles 
without  appearing  to  sink  with  fatigue.  Such  a  horse 
IS  very  objectionable,  being  uneasy  to  the  rider,  and 
must  give  pain  to  every  peison  who  is  in  the  habit  of 
.seeing  him  rode. 

10 


iO(»  CHEST  FOUNDER, 


CHEST  FOUNDER. 

The  chest  founder  appears  to  be  a  disease  but  lil  Uq 
unilerstood  by  farriers  in  general ;  they  are,  however, 
not  backward  in  otfering  many  remedies,  and  speak 
of  some  with  much  confidence,  when  they  propose 
performing  a  cure.  But  experience  has  proved,  beyond 
the  possibiHty  of  a  doubt,  that  the  chest  founder  is  one 
of  those  dreadful  diseases  to  which  the  horse  is  subject, 
that  admits  of  no  cure.  I  can  here  be  of  more  use,  by 
speaking  of  its  seat,  and  describing  its  symptoms  to  a 
purchaser,  than  by  pretending  there  exists,  for  that 
disease,  a  specific  medicine,  or  propose  its  use  to  the 
owner  of  such  an  unfortunate  animal. 

The  chest  founder  is  sometimes  produced  by  violent 
exerc"s,e  on  a  full  stomach,  and  drinking  large  quan- 
tities of  cold  branch  water ;  by  the  use  of  mouldy 
bran,  corn,  or  oats,  or  by  eating  large  quantities  oi 
green  food,  such  as  oats,  wheat,  peas,  &c.  while  per- 
formino:  hard  labour. 

From  dissection,  it  appears  that  the  seat  of  the 
disease  is  in  the  lungs ;  the  heart  and  liver  are  also 
considerably  enlarged,  insomuch  that  there  is  not  room 
for  them  to  perform  their  office  with  ease.  The  liver, 
lungs,  diaphragm,  and  surrounding  parts,  are  all 
covered  with  large  brown  spots,  and  are  much 
inflamed. 

A  horse  that  is  chest  foundered,  will  straddle  oi 
stake  with  his  fore  legs,  showing  an  unwillingness  tc 
bring  his  feet  together;  and  if  they  are  placed  near 
each  other,  he  will  not  permit  them  to  remain  so 
for  a  minute.     Indeed  they  are  frequentJy  twelve  oi 


NARROW  HEELS.  101 

eighteen  inches  apart,  which  is  caused  by  a  fulness, 
and  continual  uneasiness  about  the  chest :  the  cavity 
being  too  small  to  contain  the  lungs,  &c.  in  then 
enlarged  situation  with  ease. 

The  hind  legs  are  free  from  the  palsied  appearance 
of  those  before,  and  it  is  not  difficult  to  Histinguisn  it 
from  a  common  founder,  as  it  is  wanting  in  all  its 
symptoms,  except  the  stiff  and  numbed  appearance  ol 
the  legs  ' 

Large  bleedings  and  half  an  ounce  of  aloes,  given 
internally  in  a  ball,  have  sometimes  afforded  momen- 
tary relief  No  effectual  remedy  has  yet  been  dis- 
covered. A  horse  labouring  under  this  disease,  is 
worth  but  little  more  than  his  board,  as  he  is  unable  to 
bear  fatigue,  or  undergo  severe  service. 


'•e@A« 


NARROW  HEELS, 

is  a  disease  that  often  produces  lameness  without 
the  master  of  the  horse  knowing  from  what  cause  it 
proceeds  ;  often  examinmg  his  legs,  cleaning  his  hoofs, 
paring  the  frogs  of  his  feet,  &c.  &c.  without  paying 
any  respect  to  the  shape  of  the  horse's  heels,  which 
are  always  close  together  and  unaturally  shaped. 

A' horse  with  narrow  heels  is  unfit  to  travel,  as  he 
is  tender  footed,  and  goes  cramped,'  short,  and  is  al- 
ways subject  to  lameness,  more  o/  less. 

Narrow  heels  is  the  effect  of  shoes  being  permitted 
to  remain  on  a  horse  that  is  not  used,  ^ov  tliree  or  loin 


102  SPLINT. 

monll IS,  which  cause  the  heels  to  grow  togethei ,  pincp 
ing  and  confining  the  coronet. 

The  cure  is  simple,  though  tedious.  Have  his  shoes 
taken  off  and  his  feet  cut  down  as  small  as  possible, 
without  injuring  the  quick  ;  then  turn  him  out  upon  a 
marsh  or  low  ground,  where  his  hoofs  may  be  con- 
stantly moist  for  three  or  four  months,  and  his  heels 
will  expand,  his  hoofs  again  assume  their  natural  shape, 
and  the  horse  will  be  fit  for  any  kind  of  service. 


_^e@d««~- 


SPLINT. 

The  splint  is  a  hard  lump  or  excrescence  that  grows 
upon  the  fore  legs  of  a  horse  between  the  fetlock  and 
the  knee.  It  is  unpleasant  to  the  eye,  but  seldom  does 
injury,  unless  situated  on  the  back  of  the  leg  and  im- 
mediately under  the  large  tendons,  in  which  case 
lameness  Is  always  produced,  and  the  cure  rendered 
difficult. 

When  the  splint  is  situated  in  the  usual  place,  and 
grows  so,  large  as  to  be  unfavourable  to  beauty — to 
remove  it,  bathe  the  part  with  hot  vinegar  twice  a  day, 
and  have  the  knot  or  splint  rubbed  with  a  smooth  round 
stick,  after  bathing  for  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  ;  by  the 
expiration  of  a  week  the  knot  will  perceptibly  decrease 
in  size,  and  finally,  in  a  short  time  will  disappear. — 
Bat  should  such  means  not  have  the  desired  effect, 
shave  off  the  hair  over  the  lump,  and  apply  a  blister  oi 
Spanish  flies,  which  in  a  short  time  will  effectually 
remove  it. 


LA^MPASS.  103 


The  splint,  when  first  making  its  appearance,  will 
cause  a  horse  to  Hmp  a  Httle:  and,  as  he  advances  in 
years,  may  stiffen  him,  and  cause  him  to  stumble. 
But  I  have  never  known  any  serious  injury  to  resuk 
from  such  an  excrescence,  unless  placed  beneath  the 


large  tendons. 


®o« 


LAMPASS. 

All  young  horses  are  subject  to  the  lampass,  and 
some  suffer  extremely  before  it  is  discovered. 

It  is  a  swelling  or  enlarging  of  the  gums  on  the 
mside  of  the  upper  jaw :  the  growth  is  sometimes  so 
luxuriant  as  to  prevent  a  horse  from  eating  with  any 
comfort.  The  cure  is  simple;  and  after  being  per- 
formed, a  horse  will  improve  in  his  condition  with 
great  rapidity. 

Take  a  hot  iron,  flat,  sharp,  and  a  little  crooked  at 
the  end,  burn  the  lampass  out  just  below  the  level  of 
the  teeth,  using  great  care  to  prevent  the  hot  iron 
from  bearing  or  resting  upon  the  teeth.  After  the 
operation  is  performed,  the  horse  should  be  given  a  little 
bran  or  meal,  with  a  small  quantity  of  salt  in  it. 

Some  farriers  have  recommended  cutting  for  the 
lampass,  which  only  gives  momentary  relief,  and  would 
require  the  same  operation  to  be  performed  every  three 
or  foftr  months  ;  but  when  it  is  once  burnt  out,  it  never 
again  makes  its  appearance. 
10*  H 


104 


WIND  GALLS. 


WIND  GALLS. 

\V'iND  Galls  are  spongy  and  flatulent  humours,  that 
make  their  appearance  on  both  sides  of  the  legs,  just 
above  the  pastern  joint  or  fetlock.  It  is  seldom  that 
a  horse  is  found  entirely  clear  of  them,  particularly 
about  the  hind  legs,  if  he  be  much  used. 

They  are  produced  by  hard  usage,  strains,  bruises, 
&c.  &c.  of  the  back  sinews  or  the  sheath  that  covers 
them,  which  by  being  over-stretched,  have  some 
of  their  fibres  ruptured ;  whence  probably  may  ooze 
out  the  fluid  which  is  commonly  found  with  the 
included  air. 

When  wind  galls  make  their  first  appearance,  they 
are  easily  cured  by  a  bath  and  bandage.  Boil  red  oak 
bark  to  a  strong  decoction,  add  some  sharp  vinegar  and 
a  little  alum,  let  the  parts  be  fomented  twice  a  day, 
warm  as  the  hand  can  be  held  in  it ;  then  take  a  woollen 
cloth,  dip  it  in  the  bath,  and  bind  the  ancle  up,  tight  as 
possible,  without  giving  pain  to  the  horse. 

Should  this  method  not  succeed,  after  a  thorough 
trial,  the  swelled  or  pufTed  parts  may  be  opened  with  a 
sharp  knife  ;  but  blistering  with  flies  is  less  dangerous, 
and  generally  attended  with  equal  success. 

Wind  galls  give  to  a  horse  a  gouty  and  clumsy 
appearance ;  but  I  have  never  known  lameness  pro- 
duced by  them,  or  any  other  injury,  except  that  ol 
stiffening  his  legs  as  he  advances  in  years.  They 
furnish  strong  proof  that  the  animal  has  rendered  much 
service 


FARCY.  1  n.*^ 


FARCY. 

The  farcy  is  a  contagious  disease  among  horses, 
find  is  more  to  be  dreaded  than  any  malady  to  winch 
they  are  subject. 

It  sometimes  makes  its  appearance  on  a  particular 
part,  while  at  other  times  it  spreads  its  horrid  ravages 
through  the  whole  system.  It  may  be  found  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  each  blood  vessel,  following  the  track 
of  the  veins,  and  when  inveterate,  appears  to  thicken 
their  coats  and  integuments.  Its  characteristics  are  a 
fulness  and  hardness  of  the  veins,  a  number  of  small 
lumps  or  buds  on  the  limbs  or  lower  parts  of  the  body, 
which  at  first  appearance  are  hard,  but  soon  turn  into 
soft  blisters,  and  which  (when  broken)  discharge  an 
oily  or  bloody  ichor,  and  turn  into  foul,  spreading 
ulcers.  In  some  horses  it  appears  in  the  head  only, 
in  others  near  the  external  jugular  or  plate  veins, 
inside  the  fore  arms,  on  the  hind  parts,  near  the  large 
veins  inside  the  thighs,  about  the  pasterns,  and  parti- 
cularly about  the  knees  of  the  horse,  which  are  fre- 
quently swelled  until  they  appear  deformed. 

The  poison  of  the  farcy  appears  to  be  slow  in  its 
operation,  as  a  horse  will  frequently  linger  and  dwindle 
away  for  six  or  nine  months,  and  the  ulcers  increase 
in  number  and  size,  until  the  flesh  appears  almost  dis- 
posed to  fall  from  the  bones,  before  life  is  destroyed. 
The  appetite  of  a  horse  thus  diseased  is  generally  good 
10  the  last,  but  his  hair  looks  dead,  and  his  eyes  sad 
and  desponding'. 

The  farcy,  in  its  first  stage,  readily  admits  of  a 
v'-.ure  •  but  after  running  on  a  horse  for  a  length  oi  tima 


KiO  FARCY. 

and  the  absorbents  or  lymphatics  about  the  ulcers 
become  inflamed  from  an  absorption  of  poisonous  mat- 
ter, the  cure  is  rendered  extremely  difficult. 

Whenever  the  farcy  rises  on  the  spine,  it  shows 
great  malignancy,  and  is  considered  dangerous,  parti- 
cularly to  horses  that  are  fat,  and  full  of  blood.  When 
it  is  general  in  the  system,  as  is  sometimes  the  case, 
it  rises  on  several  parts  of  the  body  at  once,  forming 
many  large  and  foul  ulcers,  causing  a  profuse  running 
of  greenish  corrupted  matter  from  both  nostrils,  and 
soon  terminates  the  existence  of  the  animal  by  general 
mortification. 

In  the  lower  limbs  the  farcy  sometimes  remams 
concealed  for  a  g-eat  length  of  time,  and  makes  so 
slow  a  progress  thai,  it  is  often  mistaken  for  a  wound, 
or  some  other  disease.  A  single  bud  will  sometimes 
appear  opposite  the  pastern  joint,  and  run  upwards  in 
an  uneven  and  knotty  form  ;  and  unless  some  steps 
are  taken  to  check  its  progress,  it  will  slowly  steal 
upon  the  animal  until  it  becomes  general  in  the  sys- 
tem, and  finally  centres  in  the  lungs ;  shortly  after 
which  a  gangrene  ensues,  and  the  horse  is  unburdened 
of  a  life  that  is  not  only  painful  to  himself,  but  to  all 
diat  behold  him. 

To  efiect  a  cure  in  this  distressing  disease,  in  jis 
first  stage  bleed  three  times  the  first  week,  taking  half 
a  gallon  of  blood  at  each  bleeding,  feed  principally  on 
bran,  oats,  or  any  food  easily  digested,  and  the  long 
food  green,  (if  to  be  liad ;)  remove  all  filth  from  or 
about  the  staole,  taking  care  to  keep  it  neat  and  clean 
afterwards  ;  give  three  mashes  a  week,  of  bran,  scalded 
with  sassafras  tea,  one  table  spoonful  of  powdered 
orimstone,  and  one  tea  spoonful  of  salti>etrc.  (not  pep 


FARCY.  107 

mittino:  the  horse  to  drink  for  six  hours  afterwards,) 
take  half  an  ounce  of  asafoetida,  which  can  be  pro- 
cured in  any  apothecary's  shop;  wrap  it  in  a  clean 
linen  rag,  and  nail  it  in  the  bottom  of  the  manger  in 
which  he  is  fed  :  all  his  drmk  must  be  equal  quantities 
of  sassafras  boiled  in  water  to  a  strong  decoction,  and 
half  an  ounce  of  asafoetida  should  be  placed  in  his 
watering  bucket  in  the  same  manner  as  directed  for 
the  manger;  the  buds  or  ulcers  should  be  washed  once 
a  day  with  blue-stone  or  copperas  water,  and  if  the 
knees  or  ancles  are  swelled,  spread  on  a  piece  of  buck- 
skin mercurial  ointment,  and  bind  them  up  as  tight  as 
possible  without  giving  pain. 

The  second  week  bleed  twice,  taking  half  a  gallon  of 
olood  each  bleeding,  if  the  horse  i^  in  tolerable  order ; 
or  if  poor,  only  half  the  quantity;  give  the  same  number 
of  mashes  as  directed  for  the  first  week,  also  the  same 
drink,  taking  care  to  renew  the  asafoetida  in  the  man- 
ger and  bucket,  should  it  be  sufficiently  exhausted 
to  require  it.  i 

The  third  week  bleed  but  once,  taking  one  quart  of 
blood ;  in  other  respects  observe  the  same  treatment 
as  directed  for  the  first  and  second  weeks.  The  horse 
should  be  moderately  exercised  about  a  mile,  twice  a 
day,  and  occasionally  should  be  offered  a  little  hom- 
mony,  as  a  change  of  food,  to  keep  up  his  appetite. 

By  the  time  your  attentions  for  the  third  week 
expire,  if  the  disease  is  only  local,  it  will  not  only  be 
removed,  but  the  plight  of  the  horse  will  be  nuicn 
improved. 

When  the  farcy  make  its  appearance  epidemically., 
the  cure  is  rendered  difficult,  and  w-ill  require  the  aid 
of  more  active  medicine.     Prepare  and  give  to  a  horse 


1 08  FARCY. 

ft 

ihus  diseased,  a  ball,  every  night  for  a  week,  com- 
posed of  twenty-five  grains  of  calomel,  a  quarter  of  an 
ounce  of  powdered  fennel  seed,  a  small  quantity  of 
syrup  of  any  kind,  and  as  much  crumb  of  loaf  bread 
as  will  make  a  ball  about  the  size  of  an  Enfrlish 
walnut;  all  buds  or  ulcers  should  be  washed  clean  in 
blue-stone  water,  after  which  they  shonld  be  well 
rubbed  around  with  mercurial  ointment  once  a  day ;  a 
narrow  pitch  plaster  should  be  laid  on  at  the  joining  of 
the  head  and  neck,  in  the  direction  of  the  throat  latch, 
for  the  purpose  of  taking  off  the  hair,  which  will  happen 
in  two  or  three  days;  after  which,  a  lump  of  mercu- 
rial ointment,  about  the  size  of  a  hickory  nut,  must  be 
rubbed  on  the  naked  part,  amongst  the  large  glands  of 
the  throat,  until  it  is  entirely  absorbed,  every  night 
and  morning,  until  the  expiration  of  the  week ;  added 
to  which,  the  treatment  generally  may  be  the  same  as 
before  recommended  in  the  more  simple  stage  of  the 
farcy,  with  these  exceptions; — the  drink  should  never 
bri  cold,  but  the  air  taken  off,  or  milk  warm  ;  the 
mashes  without  sulphur,  during  the  week  the  balls  are 
given,  as  the  sulphur  counteracts  the  effects  of  the 
calomel  and  ointment ;  he  should  not  be  bled,  and 
great  care  should  be  used  to  prevent  his  getting  wet, 
and  catching  cold  in  any  way  while  under  the  course 
of  physic. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  first  w^eek,  stop  with  the 
balls  anu  ointment  for  a  week,  adding  sulphur  to  the 
mashes,  as  directed  in  the  first  stage  of  farcy.  At 
the  expiration  of  the  second  week,  stop  with  the  sulphui, 
and  again  commence  with  the  balls  and  ointment.  Go 
on  in  this  mannej,  continuing  to  change  the  medicine 
each  week;  until  the  cure  is  performed. 


FARCY.  JOO 

« 

It  may  sometimes  happen  that  a  horse's  mouth  will 
become  sore  before  the  expiration  of  a  week,  when 
taking  the  balls  and  using  the  ointment.  Whenever 
this  is  discovered,  stop  with  the  balls,  and  add  sulphur 
to  the  mashes,  which  will  readily  remove  the  soreness 
about  the  mouth. 

The  farcy  is  so  contagious  that  it  often  destroys 
horses  of  every  description  upon  a  plantation,  and 
leaves  the  plough  of  industry  standing  still  in  the  far- 
mer's field.  Not  long  since,  a  gentlemen  in  the  county 
of  Sussex,  lost  upwards  of  forty  horses  by  this  fatal 
disease,  without  being  able  to  save  one.  For  the 
oenefit  of  those  who  have  more  than  one  horse,  I 
would  recommend  the  use  of  asafoetida  in  the  manger, 
watering  bucket,  and  to  the  bridle  bit,  to  prevent  the 
farcy  from  dealing  out  destruction  to  their  whole 
stock.  I  have  made  a  fair  experiment  with  this  simple 
preventive,  by  placing  a  horse  violently  affected  with  it, 
and  which  fell  a  victim  to  it,  in  the  same  stable  with 
one  in  health,  without  any  ill  consequences  resulting 
from  their  contiguous  situation. 

The  farcy  has  visited  several  farms  W'ithin  the 
United  States,  with  effects  so  dreadful,  as  not  onlv  te 
desti'oy  every  one  of  the  species,  without  respect  tc 
age,  but  even  occupied  in  triumph  the  walks  and 
resting  places  of  its  prey.  Nor  could  the  disease  be 
diverted  from  its  stand,  or  completely  eradicated,  until 
stables,  shelters,  pens,  Htter,  straw,  &c.  &c  w^re 
entirelv  consumed  and  reduced  to  ashes. 


i  »0  RING  BONE. FOUNDER. 


RING  BONE. 

The  ring  bone  partakes  of  the  nature  of  the  spavin, 
and  frequently  proceeds  from  the  same  cause.  It 
makes  its  appearance  on  the  lower  part  of  the  pastern, 
and  sometimes  immediately  opposite  the  coffin  joint. 
It  is  ahardfrnd  bony  substance,  and  generally  reaches 
half  way  round  the  ancle,  which  gives  to  the  ancle  an 
unnatural  appearance,  and  causes  the  horse  to  go  stiff 
and  lame.  Its  name  has  proceeded  from  its  resem- 
blance to  a  ring.  It  seldom  admits  of  a  cure,  conse- 
luently  a  horse  diseased  with  it  is  worth  but  httle. 

When  the  ring  bone  first  makes  its  appearance, 
blisters  of  flies  have  sometimes  been  employed  with 
success.  But  after  growing  to  full  size,  and  remaining 
some  length  of  time,  to  offer  a  remedy  would  be  de- 
ceitful and  presumptuous. 

Remedy. — A  strong  preparation  of  corrosive  subli- 
mate added  to  Spanish  flies  and  Venice  turpentine, 
and  mixed  with  hog's  lard,  will  often  dissolve  a  ring 
boiie,  'Sz:c. 


-»»»eQe* 


FOUNDER. 


The  injury  sustained  by  horses,  called  founder,  is 
sometimes  the  effect  of  the  cruelty  of  his  master,  and 
a:  other  times  brought  on  by  injudicious  treatment ; 
but  it  mos.  frequently  produced  by  carelessness,  or 


FOUNDER.  Ill 

a  want  of  knowledge  of  the  treatment  necessary  to 
those  excellent  animals  on  a  jom'ney. 

Althous^h  the  horse  is  endowed  with  the  streno^th 
and  powers  of  the  lion,  yet  he  seldom  exerts  either 
to  the  prejudice  of  his  master.  On  the  contrary,  he 
shares  with  him  in  his  labom's,  and  seems  to  participate 
with  him  in  his  pleasures.  Generous  and  persevering, 
he  gives  up  his  whole  powers  to  the  service  of  his 
master;  and  though  bold  and  intrepid,  he  represses 
the  natural  fire  and  vivacity  of  his  temper,  and  not  only 
yields  to  the  hand,  but  seems  to  consult  the  inclination 
of  his  rider. 

But  it  must  continue  to  be  a  matter  of  regret  to  every 
feeling  mind,  that  these  excellent  qualities  should  be 
so  often  shamefully  abused  in  the  most  unnecessary 
exertions  ;  and  the  honest  labours  of  this  noble  animal 
thrown  away  in  the  ungrateful  task  of  accomplishinnr 
the  purposes  of  an  unfeeling  folly,  or  lavished  in  grati- 
fying the  expectations  of  an  intemperate  moment. 

A  horse  may  be  foundered  by  excessive  hard  rides, 
permitting  him  to  plunge  deep  into  cold  water,  while 
hot  and  sweating,  and  drinking  his  fill  of  cold  pond 
water,  eating  large  quantities  of  new  corn  and  fodder, 
and  then  briskly  exercised ;  over  feeding  with  bran 
alone  whilst  performing  hard  labour,  drinking  plenti- 
fully at  every  branch  in  travelling,  feeding  with  more 
than  a  horse  can  eat  after  being  half  starved,  violent 
exercise  on  a  full  belly,  or  not  permitting  a  horse  who 
has  travelled  in  a  hot  sun  all  day,  to  cool  thoroughly, 
before  he  is  given  as  much  as  he  can  eat,  drink,  &c. 

Symptoms  of  a  Founder. — The  symptoms  that  indi- 
cate   an    approaching    founder,  are   so   few  and    «:u 
(common,  that  the  most  ignorant  persons  will  rarely  be 
11 


112  FOUNDER. 

mistaken.  Great  heat  about  the  legs,  pasterns,  and 
cars,  a  soreness  in  the  feet,  together  with  a  stiffness 
so  great  in  all  his  limbs  that  the  animal  frequently 
refuses  to  move,  unless  force  is  used ;  his  flanks  and 
lower  part  of  his  belly  draws  up,  his  hide  becomes 
bound  or  tight,  his  legs  thrown  a  little  more  forwaid 
than  in  his  usual  or  natural  position  ;  a  constant  thirst, 
and  very  often  a  considerable  sweHing  of  the  ancles, 
6zc.  &c. 

Remedy  for  a  Founder. — 80  soon  as  you  are  con- 
vmced  that  your  horse  is  foundered,  take  from  his 
neck  vein  at  least  one  gallon  of  blood ;  give  a  drench 
of  one  quart  strong  sassafras  tea,  one  table  spoonful  of 
saltpetre,  and  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  asafoetida, 
and  do  not  permit  him  to  drink  for  five  or  six  hours  ;  at 
the  expiration  of  which  time,  should  he  not  be  evidently 
better,  repeat  the  bleeding,  taking  half  a  gallon  of 
blood,  and  give  another  drench:  at  night  offer  him 
some  bran  or  oats,  scalded  with  sassafras  tea,  and  if  it 
can  be  procured,  let  him  have  green  food,  fresh  from 
the  field,  for  it  has  the  happy  eflect  of  opening  the 
bowels,  and  cooling  the  system :  his  feet  should  be 
nicely  cleaned  out,  and  stuffed  with  fresh  cow  manure : 
his  drink  should  be  at  least  one  half  sassafras  tea,  with 
a  small  handful  of  salt  thrown  therein. 

By  the  morning,  should  the  horse  be  better,  nothing 
further  is  necessary,  only  being  careful  not  to  over 
feed  him.  But  should  there  be  no  change  for  the 
Detter,  tie  a  small  cord  .just  above  his  knees,  and  with  a 
ancet  or  fleam  bleed  in  a  vein  that  runs  around  the 
<'-oronet,  just  above  the  hoof;  take  from  each  leg  a 
jjint  of  blood:  give  a  pound  of  salts  dissolved  in  three 
half  pints  of  water,  in  form  of  a  drench ;  keep  his  feet 
stufled  with  fresh  cow  manure,  and  bathe  his  leffs  with 


COLIC   OR  GRIPES.  1J3 

equal  parts  of  sharp  vinegar,  spirits  and  sweet  oil  or 
lard.  By  attention  to  these  directions,  in  two  or  three 
days  the  horse  will  again  be  fit  for  service. 

A  horse  in  this  unpleasant  situation  requires  great 
attention.  Whenever  they  are  foundered,  they  search 
for  a  bank  of  manure  to  stand  on,  which  should  al- 
ways be  prevented,  as  its  heat  increases  the  fever. 

Horses  slightly  foundered,  have  sonaetimes  been 
cured  in  a  few  hours,  by  standing  thena  in  pond  water 
or  mud,  or  by  bleeding  in  the  mouth,  but  those  reme- 
dies are  uncertain,  and  are  not  so  much  to  be  relied 
on  as  those  first  recommended. 

A  foundered  horse  is  generally  very  much  reduced 
in  flesh,  before  a  cure  is  effected  ;  and  is  always  more 
subject  to  founder  afterwards. 

Large  ridges  on  the  hoofs,  or  a  turning  up  of  the 
feet,  are  strong  indications  of  old  founders  or  other 
injuries. 


@9* 


,      COIJC  OR  GRIPES. 

The  colic  is  a  disease  to  which  the  horse  is  very 
subject ;  and  as  often  proves  fatal,  in  consequence  oi 
improper  treatment,  as  any  disease  attendant  on  that 
animal. 

It  may  be  produced  by  improper  feeding,  w^atering, 
or  riding,  and  sometimes  by  a  want  of  energy  in  the 
stomach  and  bowels,  occasioning  a  spasmodic  con- 
striction of  the  intestines,  and  a  confinement  of  air 
Some   horses  are  naturally  disposed  to  coUc,  while 


% 


!  H  COLIC  OR  GRIPES. 

Others,  even  with  improper  treatment,  are  seldom  or 
never  attacked  with  that  dangerous  disease. 

The  pangs  of  the  cohc  appear  so  excruciating,  and 
all  the  symptoms  so  violent,  as  to  alarm,  generally, 
those  unaccustomed  to  it,  and  cause  them  to  be  appre- 
hensive of  dangerous  consequences  ;  but  by  using  ihe 
remedies  I  shall  here  offer,  the  cure  will  be  made  easy, 
and  the  animal  speedily  relieved  from  this  painful 
situation. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  the  colic  commence 
with  great  restlessness  and  uneasiness  in  the  horse's 
manner  of  standing,  frequently  pawing,  voids  small 
quantities  of  excrement,  and  makes  many  fruitless 
attempts  to  stale  :  kicks  his  belly  with  his  hind  legs  : 
often  looks  round  to  his  flanks,  groaning,  expressive  of 
the  pain  he  feels :  lies  down,  rolls,  gets  up  again,  and 
sometimes  for  a  moment,  appears  to  find  relief.  But 
the  pain  soon  returns  with  double  violence :  his  ears 
are  generally  cold,  and  he  often  sweats  about  the 
flanks  and  shoulders :  his  body  swelled,  and  he  fre- 
quently shows  a  disposition  to  lay  down  in  great  haste. 

A  Table  for  distinguishing  hctween  the  Colic  or  Gripes,  and  in. 
flavimation  of  the  Boivels  of  Horses,  by  the  symptoms  that  mark 
the  character  of  each. 

Spasmodic  or  Flatulent  Colic.  Injlammation  of  the  Bowels. 

1.  Pulse  natural,  though  some-  1.  Pulse  very  quick  and  small 
limes  a  little  lower.  (1)  (2) 

2.  The   horse  lies   down   and  2.  He  lies  down  and  suddenly 
rolls  upon  his  back.  rises  up    again,    seldom    rolling 

upon  his  back. 

3.  The  legs  and  ear  are  gene-  3.  Legs  and  cars  generally 
rally  warm.  cold. 

4.  Attacks  suddenly,  is  never       4.  In  general,  attacks  gradual, 
preceded,   and   seldom    accoinpa-  ly,   is  commonly  preceded,    and 
iuei  by  any  symptoms  of  fever,  always    accompanied   by    symp- 
toms of  fever. 

5.  There  are  frequently  short  5.  No  intermissions  can  !>e  ib« 
mtcrmissivins  served. 


COLIC  OR  GRIPES.  115 

(1)  Pulse  Natural. — When  in  health,  the  pulsa- 
tions or  strokes  are  from  thirty-six  to  forty  in  a 
minute ;  those  of  large,  heavy  horses  being  slower  than 
those  of  the  smaller ;  and  those  of  old  ones,  slower 
than  those  of  young  animals.  When  either  are  just  off 
a  quick  pace,  the  strokes  increase  in  number;  as  they 
do  if  he  be  alarmed  or  animated,  by  the  familiar  cry 
of  the  hounds. 

(2)  Pulse  very  quick  and  small. — Fever,  if  the  simple 
or  common  kind,  usually  increases  the  pulsations  to 
double  the  healthy  number.  As  the  fever  increases  in 
violence,  and  particularly  in  cases  of  inflammation  of 
the  bowels,  the  pulse  beats  still  higher,  and  reaches  to 
a  hundred  in  a  minute,  or  more.  To  ascertain  either 
state,  the  attendant  should  apply  the  points  of  his  fingers 
gently  to  the  artery  which  lies  nearest  the  surface. 
Some  prefer  consulting  the  temporal  artery,  which  is 
situated  about  an  inch  and  a  half  backward  from  the 
corner  of  the  eye.  Others  again,  and  they  are  the 
greater  number,  think  it  best  to  feel  it  underneath  the 
edge  of  the  jaw  bone,  where  the  facial  artery  passes  on 
under  the  skin  only  to  the  side  of  the  face.  In  either 
case,  too  great  pressure  would  stop  the  pulsation 
altogether ;  though  by  so  trying  the  artery  against  the 
iaw  bone,  will  prove  whether  it  be  in  such  a  rigid  state 
of  excitement  as  attends  high  fever;  or  elastic  and 
springy,  slipping  readily  from  under  the  finger,  as  it  does 
when  health  prevails,  and  the  strokes  follow  each  other 
regularly.  The  presence  of  high /euer  is  further  inai 
cated  by  a  kind  of  twang,  or  vibration,  given  by  the 
pulse  against  the  finger  points,  resembling  much  such 
as  would  be  felt  were  we  to  take  hold  of  a  distendeo 
whip  cord  or  wire  between  the  fingers  and  cause  il 
lO  vibrate  like  a  ficidlestring,  sharply      Wheieas,  jd 

11  * 


116  COLIC  OR  GRIPES. 

health,  a  sii-ell  is  felt  in  the  vibration,  as  if  the  string  were 
made  of  soft  materials,  and  less  straitened.  Languid? 
or  slow  pulse,  and  scarcely  perceptible  in  some  of  the 
beats  or  strokes,  indicates  lowness  of  spirits,  debility, 
or  being  used  up :  if  this  languor  be  felt  at  intervals 
only,  a  few  strokes  being  very  quick,  and  then  again  a 
few  very  slow,  this  indicates  low  fever, m  which  bleeding 
would  do  no  harm,  &c. — \_A.  Turf.  R.  <^  S.  Mag.'] 

Remedies. — Number  1.  Take  from  the  neck  vein 
half  a  gallon  of  blood ;  take  of  laudanum  one  ounce,  oi 
mint  tea  ono  quart,  milk  warm  ;  mix  them  well  in  a 
bottle,  and  give  the  contents  as  a  diench;  let  the  horse 
be  well  rubbed  under  the  belly,  and  prepare  and  give 
an  injection  of  meal,  water,  molasses,  salt,  and  hog's 
lard,  milk  warm. 

Number  2.  Take  of  mint  tea  one  and  a  hadf  pints ; 
gin,  or  any  spirituous  liquor,  half  a  pint ;  mix  them 
well  in  a  bottle,  and  give  them  as  a  drench,  taking  care 
to  rub  him  well.  Should  it  not  have  the  desired  effecl 
in  fifteen  minutes,  repeat  the  dose. 

Number  3.  Take  of  camphor  a  quarter  of  an  ounce 
oil  of  turpentine  half  an  ounce,  mint  tea  one  pint;  mi> 
tliem  in  a  bottle,  and  give  them  as  a  drench.  Confine 
the  horse  in  a  close  stable,  cover  him  with  three  or 
four  blankets,  and  under  his  belly  place  a  large  tub  oi 
boiling  water,  which  will  readily  throw  him  into  a 
yrofuse  sweat,  and  relieve  him  from  pain. 

Number  4.  In  addition  to  the  above,  clysters  oughi 
.o  be  administered,  by  injecting  the  following  ingre- 
dients, viz. :  water  half  a  gallon,  salt  one  handful,  oil 
of  any  kind  one  pint,  molasses  one  pint ;  mix  the  whole, 
and  inject  it;  and  repeat  it  every  half  hour,  until  tlie 
bowels  are  well  opened. 


PCRATCHES. 


SCRATCHES. 


The  scratches  is  a  disease  which  soon  places  a 
horse  in  such  a  situation  as  to  render  him  unfit  for  any 
kind  of  service.  When  it  is  permitted  to  run  upon  a 
horse  for  a  length  of  time,  without  any  remedy  bemg 
applied,  the  ankles  and  legs  swell  very  much,  and 
lameness  is  produced  in  so  great  a  degree,  that  he  is 
scarcely  able  to  move. 

The  scratches  are  produced  from  many  different 
causes,  as  hard  riding,  dirty  stables,  legs  left  wet  at 
night  without  being  rubbed,  standing  in  his  own  ma- 
nure or  mud,  in  the  stall  where  he  is  confined,  &;c. 
&c.  Although  much  inflammation  may  appear,  ami 
the  disease  discover  much  inveteracy,  the  cure  is  not 
difficult. 

Remedies. — Number  1. — Remove  the  horse  to  n 
clean  stall :  with  strong  soap  suds  wash  his  legs  and 
ankles  nicely;  clean  out  his  feet;  then  wash  every 
part,  inflamed  ,or  sore,  in  strong  copperas  water,  twice 
a  day,  until  the  cure  is  performed :  take  half  a  gallon 
of  blood  from  the  neck  vein,  and  give  a  mash  twice  a 
week,  of  one  gallon  of  bran,  one  tea  spoonful  of  salt- 
petre, and  one  table  spoonful  of  powdered  brimstone. 
Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  cleanliness  of  the 
stable. 

Number  2.  After  the  horse  is  placed  in  a  clean 
stall  and  his  legs  and  ankles  nicely  washed  with  warm 
soap  suds,  take  of  blue-stone,  one  ounce  ;  of  alum, 
four  ounces,  to  which  add  half  a  gallon  of  strong  de- 
coction of  red  oak  bark,  stir  them  together  until  the 
alum  and  blue-stone  are  dissolved  ;  then  wash  the 
cracks,  sores,  or  inflamed  parts,  twice  a  day,  and  the 


IIS  BOTS  OR  GRUBS. 

cure  will  be  effected  in  a  very  short  time.  Light  or 
green  food  would  be  preferable  to  any  other,  for  a 
horse  thus  diseased,  until  the  cure  is  performed. 

Number  3.  After  washing  the  legs  and  ankles  clean 
with  soap  suds,  take  of  flower  of  sulphur  or  powdered 
brimstone,  one  table  spoonful ;  hog's  lard,  one  table 
spoonful;  mix  them  well  together,  and  anoint  the  sores 
and  parts  inflamed  twice  a  day.  A  horse  will  get 
well  much  sooner  confined  in  a  clean  stall,  than  by 
running  at  large. 

Niimher  4.  Boil  poke-root  to  a  strong  decoction, 
and  bathe  the  ankles  twice  a  day.  '  In  all  cases  a  clean 
stable  will  aid  you  much  in  making  a  quick  cure  of  the 
scratches. 


@e. 


BOTS  OR  GRUBS. 

The  bots  or  grubs  are  small  worms  that  are  found 
m  the  stomach  ;  their  colour  is  brown  or  reddish,  and 
ihey  seldom  exceed  three  quarters  of  an  inch  in  length. 
At  one  extremity  they  have  two  small  hooks,  by 
which  they  attach  themselves,  and  the  belly  appears  to 
be  covered  with  very  small  feet.  They  are  most  fre- 
quently found  adhering  to  the  insensible  coat  of  the 
stomach,  and  then  they  do  not  appear  to  cause  any 
considerable  uneasin'ess  or  inconvenience.  Sometimes 
riowever,  they  attach  themselves  to  the  sensible  part, 
and  do  great  injury  to  that  important  organ,  producing 
irritation,  emaciation,  a  rough  coat  of  hair,  hide  bound 
\ma  cough.  It  is  astonishing  with  what  force  these 
worms  adliere,  and  how  ten*3.cious  they  are  of  life. 


BOTS  OR  GKUBS.  110 

It  is  proved  beyond  doubt,  by  experiments  made, 
that  this  worm,  like  the  caterpillar,  undergoes  several 
changes.  It  is  originally  a  fly,  which  deposits  its 
eggs  in  the  horse's  coat,  causes  an  itching,  and  induces 
him  to  bite  the  part.  In  this  way  he  swallows  the 
eggs,  which  by  the  heat  of  the  stomach  are  brought 
into  life,  and  are  sometimes  so  numerous  as  to  eat 
their  way  entirely  through  the  stomach  and  destroy 
the  animal.  Indeed  they  seldom  fail  to  attack  a  horse 
with  great  violence,  whenever  his  stomach  is  empty, 
and  endanger  his  life. 

Numberless  experiments  have  been  made  upon  the 
grubs,  after  they  have  been  taken  from  a  horse  that 
had  died,  to  discover  what  medicine  would  soonest 
destroy  their  lives,  that  could  be  safely  given.  But  all 
endeavours  as  yet  upon  that  subject,  have  been  fruit- 
less. It  appears  that  they  will  Hve  in  any  medicine 
that  can  be  given  to  a  horse,  nearly  as  long  as  they 
can  live  without  eating.  All  the  benefit  that  results 
from  experience  on  this  subject,  to  me,  merely  serves 
to  break  the  hold  and  expel  those  dangerous  worms, 
when  they  are  so  mischievously  engaged. 

After  describing  the  symptoms  attending  the  grubs 
I  shall  offer  some  remedies  which  have  saved  the  lives 
of  many  horses. 

Symptoms. — A  horse  attacked    by  the  grubs,  fre 
quently  lies  down  and  looks  round  to  his  shoulders, 
groans,  whips  his  tail  between  his  hind  legs,  frequently 
turns  up  his  upper  lip,  and  has  a  very  hot  fever,  which 
may  be  discovered  by  feeling  his  ears. 

Remedies. — No.  1.    Take  of  copperas  two  table 

spoonfuls  ;  water  milk  warm,  one  pint;  dissolve  rnn 

I 


120  BOTS  OR  GRUBS. 

copperas,  and  give  it  as  a  drench.     If  the  horse  is  not 
relieved  in  fifteen  minutes,  repeat  the  dose. 

No.  2.  Take  of  Unseed  or  sturgeon's  oil,  one  pint, 
and  give  it  as  a  drench.  If  the  horse  is  not  reheved 
in  fifteen  minutes,  repeat  the  dose. 

No.  3.  Take  of  molasses,  one  pint;  milk,  one  pint : 
give  it  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  the  dose. 

No.  4.  Take  of  fresh  meat  of  any  kind  (raw)  half 
a  pound,  cut  it  into  four  or  five  pieces,  and  force  it 
down  the  horse's  throat;  it  will  immediately  induce 
the  grubs  to  break  their  hold. 

No.  5.  Take  two  ounces  of  iEthiop's  mineral  and 
give  it  to  your  horse  in  his  feed,  and  in  a  day  or  two 
afterwards  give  him  a  purge  ;  then  you  may  give  him 
a  decoction  of  bitter  herbs,  to  prevent  their  return. 

No.  6.  Give  your  horse  (after  taking  molasses  and 
milk)  a  quart  or  two  of  fish  or  beef  brine,  as  a  drench. 
From  recent  experiments,  salt  appears  to  have  the 
property  of  killing  worms :  these  insects  placed  in  a 
solution  of  this  substance  die  immediately. 

No.  7.  Drench  the  horse  with  half  an  ounce  of  salt- 
petre dissolved  in  common  water,  and  in  about  fifteen 
minutes  drench  with  half  an  ounce  of  a^um  dissolved 
in  like  manner.  Let  the  horse  have  no  water  for 
iwenty-four  hours  after. 

An  active  purge  will  be  absolutely  necessary  imme 
diately  after  the  use  of  either  of  the  above  remedies 
One  pint  of  soft  soap  added  to  a  pint  of  molasses, 
with  d  handful  of  salt,  will  answer  very  well.     Re- 
peat  the  dose,  should  it  not  operat<;  in  four  or  five 

■lOUi'a 


OR  HAWS.  121 


HOOKS  OR  HAWS. 

The  hooks  or  haws  in  a  horse,  is  the  growing  of  a 
horny  substance  upon  the  inner  edge  of  the  washer  oi 
caruncle  of  the  eye,  which  may  be  found  in  the  innei 
corner  next  to  the  nose.  When  this  disease  makes  its 
appearance,  the  washer  or  caruncle  is  enlarged  with 
great  rapidity,  and  tlie  hgament  that  runs  along  the 
edge  of  this  membrane,  becomes  extremely  hard,  or 
like  a  cartilage,  and  whenever  it  arises  to  this  state, 
it  draws,  compresses,  and  causes  great  pain  to  the  eyes, 
produces  a  tightness  of  the  skin,  a  stiffness  of  the  hind 
legs,  and  finally  a  general  spasmodic  affection  through- 
out the  whole  system. 

As  the  eyes  of  a  horse  are  often  inflamed,  and  some- 
times diseased,  without  their  having  the  hooks,  for 
the  })urpose  of  ascertaining  the  fact,  take  hold  of  the 
bridle,  and  raise  the  horse's  head  as  high  as  you  can 
with  convenience  reach:  if  he  is  diseased  with  the 
hooks,  the  washer  or  caruncles  (>1  the  eye,  while  his 
head  is  raised  up,  will  cover  at  lea^t  one  half  the 
surf  ICO  of  the  eye  ball.  When  this  ts  the  case,  take  a 
common  sized  needle  with  a  strong  thread,  place  on 
the  horse's  nose  a  twitch,  to  prevent  his  moving;  then 
take  in  your  thumb  and  finger  the  washer  or  caruncle 
of  the  eye,  and  pass  the  needle  through  it  about  a 
t{uarter  of  an  inch  from  the  outer  edge,  and  inside  tho 
horny  substance;  draw  it  gently  with  the  needle  ana 
thread,  until  you  have  a  fair  chance  of  performing  the 
operation;  then  with  a  sharp  knife  cut  the  piece  out, 
taken  up  with  the  needle,  which  must  not  be  larger 
than  one  fourth  the  size  of  a  four  pence  half  penny : 


t22  HOOKS  OR  HAWS. 

wash  the  eyes  for  two  or  three  mornings  with  salt  aiid 
water,  bathe  his  legs  up  to  his  belly  in  equal  parts  ol 
warm  vinegar,  spirit  and  oil,  or  fresh  butter,  and  give 
a  mash  of  one  and  a  half  gallons  of  bran  or  oats,  one 
table  spoonful  flour  of  sulphur,  one  tea  spoonful  salt- 
petre, and  the  cure  will  be  performed  in  all  probability 
in  four  or  five  days. 

Great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  cut  too  large  a 
piece  from  the  caruncle,  as  it  disfigures  the  eyes,  and 
sometimes  produces  blindness. 

ON  CUTTING  OUT  HOOKS  OR  HAWS. 

"Before  I  was  acquainted  with  this  subject,  two 
years  ago,  I  had  two  fine  young  horses  sacrificed  to 
this  mistaken  and  ruinous  operation.  Ignorant  quacks 
do  not  know  that  the  horse  has  a  membrane  peculiar 
to  the  animal,  which  is  at  pleasure  drawn  over  the 
eye.  The  enlargement  of  this,  by  a  fever,  produces 
the  appearance,  which,  in  jockey  slang,  is  called  the 
nooks.  Reduce  the  fever  by  depletion,  such  as  bleed- 
ing plentifully,  purging,  &c.  and  have  the  horse  well 
rubbed,  and  the  hooks  will  disappear ;  that  is,  the 
membrane  is  restored  to  its  natural  size  and  office, 
which  is  to  clear  the  eye  from  dust,  &c.  accidentally 
entering  it.  I  need  not  mention  the  cutting  out  of 
this  useful  membrane  unnecessary,  as  I  have  proved 
the  uselessness  of  this  operation,  by  restoring  a  horse 
without  it  a  few  days  ago. 

W.  V,  MUKTJAY" 


STRANGLES.  !2S 


STRANGLES. 

The  strano^les  is  a  disease  to  which  horses  are  vcrv 
subject,  particularly  those  that  are  young.  It  consists 
m  a  running  at  the  nose,  and  an  inflammation  and 
swelling  of  the  glands,  about  the  under  jaw  and  throat. 
It  is  sometimes  attended  with  high  fevers,  destroys  the 
appetite,  causes  a  horse  to  look  sad  and  dejected,  and 
dwindle  away  in  an  astonishing  manner.  Sometimes 
the  inflammation  extends  to  the  muscles  of  the  tongue, 
and  is  attended  with  so  much  heat  and  pain,  that  until 
matter  is  found,  the  horse  swallows  with  the  utmost 
difficulty,  unless  his  drink  is  held  up  to  him. 

The  strangles  proceed  from  many  causes,  violent 
colds,  sudden  changes  of  air  or  climate,  extreme  hard 
labour  after  habits  of  idleness,  shedding  teeth,  or  what- 
ever may  produce  pain,  or  bring  on  a  flux  of  humours 
at  any  critical  time  upon  the  throat  and  jaws,  and  like 
most  other  diseases,  requires  strict  attention,  for  the 
cure  to  be  performed  in  a  short  time. 

Symptoms  of  the  Strangles. — The  approach  of  the 
strangles  may  be  known  by  a  dulness  of  the  counte- 
nance, watery  eyes,  a  distressing  cough,  running  at  the 
nose,  glands  enlarged  beyond  the  jawc,  loss  of  appetite, 
and  a  constant  thirst,  without  boir/g  able  to  drink, 
unless  the  water  is  placed  ac  !j'gh  as  his  head,  in  its 
natural  position. 

Remedy. — Bleed  four  times  within  a  week,  taking 

Irom  the  neck  vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood  at  each  bleed- 

nig;  give  a  mash  twice  a  week,  of  one  gallon  of  bran 

or  oats,  scalded  with  one  quart  of  sassafras  tea,  with 

the  addition  of  one  table  spoonful  of  powdered  brim 
12 


J  24  STONE  OR  GRAVEL. 

Stone,  and  one  tea  spoonful  of  saltpetre.  Take  of 
asafoetida  half  an  ounce,  divide  it,  placing  one  half  in 
his  mangei,  the  other  in  his  watering  bucket.  Feed 
[)rincipally  with  green  food,  if  to  be  had,  if  not,  such  as 
is  light,  co.jling,  and  easily  digested. 


^o« 


STONE  OR  GRAVEL  IN  THE  BLADDER. 

Fortunately  the  stone  is  a  disease  not  very  com- 
mon amongst  horses ;  but  whenever  it  makes  its  appear- 
dnce,  unless  some  remedy  is  immediately  employed, 
its  consequences  are  to  be  much  dreaded.  It  consists 
in  small  gravel  or  stones  being  lodged  in  the  bladder, 
which  prevents  a  free  discharge  of  urine,  and  produces 
the  most  excruciating  pain.  The  horse  will  linger 
and  pine  away,  until  he  can  scarcely  su])port  the  burden 
of  life. 

As  the  stone  is  a  disease  which  has  but  seldom,  if 
ever,  struck  the  attention  of  farriers,  I  consider  myself 
fortunate  in  being  able  to  offer  to  the  public  a  simple 
remedy,  which  has  been  employed  with  astonishing 
success  by  a  gentleman  in  a  neighbouring  county.  In 
one  case,  when  the  following  remedy  was  used,  three 
itones  and  a  quantity  of  grit  was  discharged  from  the 
bladder. 

Symptoms.^ — Frequent  stretching,  groaning,  and 
many  fruitless  attempts  to  pass  water,  which  will  finally 
be  discharged  by  a  few  drops  at  a  time,  with  great 
apparent  pain,  a  shrinking  of  the  flesh,  although  the 
appetite  is  good,  no  fever,  but  a  dull,  sluggish,  and 
sleepy  apoearance,  wanting  much  in  his  usual  spirits 


YELLOW  WATER.  125 

Remedy, — Take  of  marsh-mallows,  water  melon 
seed,  and  asparagus,  of  each  two  large  handfals,  boil 
then}  in  three  quarts  of  water  to  one  quart,  and  add 
one  tea  spoonful  of  saltpetre,  and  give  the  whole  as  a 
drench,  after  being  nicely  strained. 

■  Take  of  sweet  oil  or  fresh  butter  one -table  spoonful, 
grease  his  sheath,  and  draw  out  gently  and  grease 
his  penis,  also  grease  the  large  seam  from  the  penis  up 
near  the  anus ;  and  with  the  hand,  bearing  a  little, 
stroke  the  seam  downwards  to  the  end  of  the  penis, 
for  ten  minutes  every  hour,  until  the  horse  has  a 
urinary  discharge ;  which,  in  all  probability,  will  take 
place  in  one  or  two  hours  after  taking  the  drench 
Should  some  blood  be  passed,  it  may  be  no  cause  of 
alarm,  and  will  clearly  prove  there  is  gravel  in  the 
urinary  passages.  Repeat  the  drench  in  three  hours, 
should  the  desired  effect  not  be  produced. 


^9* 


YELLOW  WATER. 

The  yellow  water  is  very  common  in  the  w^estern 
country  among  horses  ;  and  being  infectious,  is  some- 
times brought  into  this  state  by  drove  horses.  It  is 
extremely  fatal  in  its  consequences,  unless  some  remedy 
is  employed  shortly  after  it  makes- its  appearance. 
For  the  benefit  of  the  public,  I  consider  myself  fortunate 
to  be  able  to  recommend  such  medicines  for  its  euro 
as  have  been  fairly  tried,  by  a  gentleman  of  Brunswick, 
and  Droved  effectual. 


126  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES. 

Symptoms  of  Yellow  Water. — The  cliaracteristics 
of  this  disease,  are  a  dusky  yellowness  of  the  eyes, 
lips,  and  bars  of  the  mouth;  a  dull,  sluggish,  appear- 
ance ;  a  loss  of  appetite ;  the  excrement  hard,  dry, 
yellow,  and  sometimes  of  a  pale  or  light  green ;  tho 
urine  uncommonly  dark,  of  a  dirty  brown  colour,  and 
when  discharged  a  length  of  time,  has  the  appearance 
of  blood. 

Remedy. — Take  of  asafoetida. one  ounce;  campho- 
rated  spirits,  four  table  spoonfuls ;  warm  water  one 
pint;  mix  and  give  them  as  a  drench,  for  three  or  four 
mornings  successively.  Take  of  bran  one  and  a  hall 
gallons,  flour  of  sulphur  one  table  spoonful,  antimony 
twenty  grains,  saltpetre  twenty  grains ;  mix  them  well 
together,  and,  with  a  strong  decoction  of  sassafras, 
scald  the  bran,  forming  a  mash,  which  must  be  given 
three  nights  in  a  week,  not  permitting  the  horse  to 
get  wet,  or  drink  water,  except  it  is  milk  warm.  His 
stable  should  be  a  comfortable  one,  and  he  should  have 
a  clean  bed  of  straw  placed  under  him.  Bleed  twice 
in  the  neck  vein,  taking  half  a  gallon  of  blood  at  each 
bleeding,  within  the  week ;  let  his  exercise  be  regular 
and  moderate,  and  by  the  expiration  of  nine  or  ten  days, 
.he  cure,  in  all  probability,  will  be  performed. 


-^>9@9* 


TO  PREVENT  INFECTIOUS*  DISEASES. 


As  most  diseases  that  are  infectious  endanger  the 
)/%  of  a  horse,  I  consider  it  important  to  every  owner 
of  those  useful  animals,  to  be  able  to  use  a  medicine 
ihaiwnll  act  against  or  prevent  those  diseases  that  are 


INFECTIOUS    DISEASES.  127 

contagious.  1  have  been  in  the  habit  of  owning  from 
one  to  eight  horses  at  a  tinne,  for  fifteen  years,  and  in 
all  that  time  never  lost  a  horse.  I  cannot  help  believ- 
ing my  success,  in  this  respect,  has  been  much  in- 
debted to  the  constant  use  of  the  asafcetida,  which  1 
consider  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  innocent  medi- 
cines ever  used  amongst  horses.  It  not  only  drives  off 
diseases  of  almost  every  kind,  but  it  keeps  up  the 
appetite,  produces  a  remarkable  fineness  in  the  coat  ol 
hair,  and  gives  such  life  and  spirits  as  to  induce  even 
an  old  horse  to  attempt  the  attitudes  and  movements 
of  the  gay  and  mettled  racer. 

The  value  of  the  asafcetida  is  at  present  but  little 
known  for  the  use  of  horses;  but  whenever  it  shall  have 
been  used  or  brought  into  notice,  its  remarkable  effects, 
no  doubt,  will  prove  what  I  now  say.  Its  virtues  are 
acknowledged  and  remembered  with  pleasure,  by  all 
those  who  have  used  it  in  their  stables. 

The  asafcetida  is  produced  from  a  plant  called 
perennial,  and  is  a  native  of  Persia:  it  has,  however, 
borne  fertile  seeds,  in  the  open  air,  in  the  botanical 
garden  of  Edinburgh.  The  gum  resin  is  produced 
from  the  roots  of  plants  which  are  at  least  four  years 
old.  When  the  leaves  begin  to  decay,  the  stalk  i ; 
twisted  off  and  the  earth  removed  from  about  thei^ 
large  tapering  roots.  The  top  of  the  root  is  some  time 
afterwards  cut  off  transversely,  and  forty-eight  hours 
afterwards  the  juice  which  has  exuded,  is  scraped  ofi', 
and  a  second  transverse  incision  is  made  :  this  opera- 
tion is  repeated  until  the  root  is  entirely  exhausted  o 
)uice:  after  being  scraped  off,  the  juice  is  exposed  to  the 
sun  to  harden.  It  is  brought  to  us  in  large  irregular 
masses,  composed  of  various  little  shining  'umps  oi 
grains,  which  are  pnrtly  of  a  whitish  colour,  partly  led- 
12* 


l!28  INFECTIOUS  DISEASES. 

Hisli,  an'l  partly  of  a  violet  hue;  those  masses  hi 
accounted  best  which  are  clear,  or  a  pale  reddish  co- 
lour, and  variegated  v^ith  a  number  of  elegant  vi^hite 
tears.  This  drug  has  a  strong  fetid  smell,  somewhat 
like  that  of  the  garlic,  and  a  bitter  acid,  biting  taste.  The 
smell  resides  entirely  in  the  essential  oil,  which  arises  in 
distillation.  It  is  tne  most  powerful  of  all  the  fetid 
gums,  and  is  a  most  valuable  medicine.  It  acts  as  a 
stimulant,  anti-spasmodic,  expectorant,  emmenagogue, 
and  anthelmintic,  and  its  action  is  quick  and  pene- 
trating. 

When  a  small  piece  of  the  asafcetida  has  been  placed 
in  the  manger  of  a  horse  in  health,  I  have  known  him 
to  stand  for  months  in  a  stall  next  to  one  violently 
diseased  without  taking  the  infection,  or  any  ill  con 
sequence  resulting  from  their  contiguous  situation. 

Preventive. — Take  of  asafoetida,  one  ounce,  divide 
it  and  wrap  each  piece  in  a  clean  linen  rag ;  nail  one  in 
the  bottom  of  the  manger  the  horse  is  fed  in,  the  othei 
in  the  bottom  of  the  bucket  in  which  he  is  watered. 
The  above  quantity  will  last  about  three  months ;  al 
the  expiration  of  which  time  it  must  be  replenished. 
.  A  small  piece  confined  to  the  bridle  bit,  will  have 
the  same  effect  when  a  horse  goes  from  home,  or  enters 
on  a  journey. 

GRAVEL  IN  THE  HOOFS. 

The  gravel  in  the  hoof  is  an  incident  that  happens 
10  horses  in  travelling,  and  is  brought  on  by  small 
stones  or  grit  getting  between  the  hoof  and  shoe,  set- 
tling to  the  quick,  and  then  inflame  and  fester ;  it  pro- 


WOUNDS.  129 

duces  lameness  and  causes  a  horse  to  undergo  very 
excruciating  pain.  The  first  step  necessary  lor  a 
horse's  rehef  is,  to  have  his  shoes  taken  off  and  get 
the  stone  out.  You  may  readily  ascertain  where  they 
lie,  by  pressing  the  edge  of  the  hoof  with  a  pair  of 
pincers.  After  all  the  gravel  is  removed,  which  may 
be  known  by  a  discontinuation  of  the  blackness  of  the 
place,  the  wound  caused  by  cutting  for  the  gravel  may 
be  easily  healed  by  melting  together  equal  parts  of 
bees- wax,  rosin,  fresh  butter  or  sweet  oil,  and  pouring 
the  mixture  on  the  wound,  warm  as  the  animal  can 
bear  it,  without  giving  pain.  Then  warm  a  little  tar 
or  pitch,  and  pour  a  small  quantity  over  the  wound 
and  its  neighbouring  parts,  to  keep  out  the  dust  and 
defend  the  foot  from  any  hard  substance  for  a  few 
days,  by  which  time  it  will  get  well. 


— Me^O'M— 


WOUNDS. 


A  WOUND  is  generally  defined  a  separation  of  the 
parts  in  any  member  of  the  animal  body  by  some 
instrument.  In  all  fresh  w^ounds  made  by  cutting 
instruments,  there  is  nothing  more  required  than  bring- 
ing the  lips  of  the  wound  into  contact,  by  sewing  a 
bandage,  provided  the  part  will  allow  of  it.  For 
wounds  of  the  hips,  or  other  prominent  parts,  and 
across  some  of  the  large  muscles,  the  stitches  are  apt 
to  burst  by  the  horse's  lying  down  and  getting  up  in 
the  stall.  In  such  cases  the  lips  of  the  wound  snould 
not  be  brought  close  together — one  stitch  is  enough 


i  30  WOUNDS. 

for  a  wound  two  inches  long,  but  in  large  wounds 
ihey  should  be  an  inch  or  more  apart. 

Should  the  wound  bleed  nriuch  fronn  an  artery's 
Deing  divided,  it  will  be  necessary  to  secure  it  by  pas- 
sing a  crooked  needle  underneath,  and  tying  it  with  a 
waxed  thread ;  but  if  the  artery  cannot  be  got  at  in 
this  way,  apply  a  small  quantity  of  flour  and  salt  to 
the  mouth  of  the  bleeding  vessel,  which  will  very  soon 
have  the  desired  effect.  Care  should  be  taken  to  keep 
it  there,  by  proper  compress  or  bandage,  until  a  scar, 
scab,  or  crust  is  formed,  otherwise  it  will  elude  your 
expectations,  and  frequently  alarm  you  with  fresh 
bleedings.  After  the  lips  of  the  wound  are  brought 
together,  by  this  needle  or  bandage,  it  needs  only  to 
be  covered  with  rags,  dipped  in  spirits  of  any  kind,  or 
spirits  of  turpentine,  and  a  little  lint  placed  lightly 
within  the  edges  of  the  wound,  taking  great  care  to 
keep  it  entirely  clean,  with  strong  soap  suds,  and  as 
free  from  motion  as  possible.  Whenever  a  wound  be- 
comes much  swelled  or  inflamed,  or  discovers  marks 
of  mortification,  frequent  bleedings  and  the  apphca- 
tion  of  a  red  oak  poultice  or  mush,  will  have  a  won 
Jerful  effect.  Should  the  wound  be  disposed  to  heal 
very  rapidly,  and  turn  out  what  is  termed  proud 
flesh,  by  washing  it  with  a  little  blue-stone  water,  it 
will,  in  a  very  short  time,  shut  in,  and  the  wound 
entirely  heal. 

The  cure  of  most  wounds  is  effected  by  the  simplest 
tnethods,  and  it  is  often  of  much  more  cousequence 
:o  know  how  to  dress  a  wound,  than  what  to  dress  it 
witn,  and  in  this  consists  the  chief  art  of  this  branch 
of  surgery  ;  for  the  most  eminent  in  that  profession 
have  long  discovered  that  a  variety  of  ointments, 
waives,  and  grease,  are  unnecessary  in  the  cures  of 
(iiost  wounds  and  sores,  and  they  have  accordingly 


wouisDs.  13! 

discarded  the  greatest  part  formerly  in  repute  for  that 
purpose  ;  repeated  observations  having  taught  them, 
that  after  digestion,  or  after  healthy  matter  is  formed, 
nature  is  disposed  to  heal  up  the  wound  fast  enough 
herself.  Some  respect  should  be  paid  to  the  diet  of 
a  horse,  as  bran,  oats,  and  green  food  keep  the 
bowels  open,  and  are  free  from  that  heat  which  the 
use  of  corn  and  fodder  will  produce  in  the  system.  ] 
will  here  offer  a  few  more  simples  that  have  proved 
beneficial  in  the  cure  of  wounds,  sores,  &c. 

The  first  operation  necessary  in  all  sores,  wotmds, 
&;c.  about  a  horse  is,  to  remove  all  dirt,  matter  or 
extraneous  bodies,  with  strong  soap  suds,  after  which, 

No.  1.  Take  of  spirits,  half  a  pint;  alum,  one 
ounce  ;  honey,  one  gill ;  mix  them  well  together,  and 
wash  the  wound  night  and  morning. 

No.  2.  Take  of  copperas,  two  ounces  ;  clean  water, 
one  quart ;  wash  the  wound  or  sore  twice  a  day. 

No.  3.  Take  of  sugar  of  lead,  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  ; 
fair  water,  one  quart ;  use  it  twice  a  day. 

No.  4.  Take  spirits  of  turpentine  and  wet  the  wound 
once  a  dav. 

No.  5.  Take  of  blue-stone,  a  quarter  of  an  ounce ; 
fair  water,  one  quart ;  wash  the  wound  every  morning. 

Punctured  wounds,  from  thorns  or  other  accidents, 
are  generally  of  the  most  painful  kind,  and  require 
great  attention ;  a  bread  and  milk  poultice,  or  a  mush 
made  by  boiling  red  oak  bark  to  a  strong  decoction, 
beating  the  bark  very  fine  and  throwing  in  as  much 
corn  meal  as  will  make  it  of  proper  consistency 
should  be  applied  until  healthy  matter  appears,  to 
gether  with  fomentations :  after  which,  to  effect  a 
speedy  cure,  use  any  of  the  above  remedies  recom- 
mended. 


/ 

f32  BRUISES 

Wounds  in  the  feet,  from  shoeing,  nails,  thorns,  or 
f>t}ier  accidents,  are  generally  attended  with  much 
frodble,  and  are  often  productive  of  very  fatal  conse- 
f{ nonces  when  neglected.  Such  wounds  should  have 
old  dirt,  grit,  &c.  carefully  removed  with  warm  greasy 
water ;  after  which,  take  of  bees-wax,  tar,  and  sweet 
oil,  equal  parts  ;  stew  them  well  together,  and  fill  tne 
wound,  hot  as  the  horse  can  bear  it  without  expe- 
riencing pain  ;  then  pour  on  a  little  warm  pitch,  to 
prevent  grit  and  dirt  getting  to  the  wound,  and  to  pro- 
tect the  foot,  while  sore  and  tender,  from  the  hard 
ground. 


®e« 


BRUISES. 


Bruises  proceed  from  external  injury,  and  when 
cio  remedy  iS  employed,  are  sometimes  attended  with 
violent  inflammation,  and  after  bursting  and*discharg 
\n^  large  quantities  of  matter,  of  a  dark  red  colour 
and  extremely  offensive  smell,  often  terminate  in  a 
mortification,  which  soon  puts  a  period  to  the  life  oi 
the  animal. 

Take  of  vinegar,  one  quart;  laudanum,  half  an  ounce  ; 
sugar  of  lead,  quarter  of  an  ounce ;  mix  them  well 
together,  and  apply  it  to  the  bruise  three  or  four  times 
a  day ;  if  the  part  bruised  will  admit  of  it,  apply  a 
flannel  doubled  and  wet  with  the  mixture,  which  will 
be  the  means  of  keeping  the  bruise  continually  moist 
'nf  by  this  method  the  swelling  ^oes  not  subside,  applv 


STRAINS.  133 

a  poultice  made  of  a  strong  decoction  of  rod  oak  bark 
and  meal,  once  a  day,  until  the  swelling  abates  ;  but 
in  bruises  that  cannot,  by  these  means,  be  dispersed, 
and  by  pressing  with  the  finger  you  discover  that  mat- 
ter is  formed,  then  the  shortest  way  is,  to  open  the  skin 
and  allow  the  bruise  to  discharge  its  contents :  after 
which  it  will  heal  in  a  very  short  time,  by  keepmg 
it  entirely  clean  with  soap  suds  alone.  But  after  dis- 
charging the  matter,  if  the  wound  should  appear  rotten 
and  of  dark  colour,  indicating  mortification,  togethe  . 
with  any  very  considerable  inflammation,  bleed  plen- 
tifully ;  feed  on  bran,  oats,  long  green  food,  or  light 
food  of  any  kind,  and  again  apply  the  red  oak  poul- 
tice, which  will  very  soon  cure  the  inflammation, 
cleanse  and  alter  the  appearance  of  the  wound.  After 
which,  any  of  the  simples  recommended  for  wounds, 
may  be  employed  in  speedily  healing. 


'-w*tfr^^^4M« 


STRAINS. 

Strains,  in  whatever  part  of  the  horse,  either  pio- 
duced  from  running,  slips,  blows,  or  hard  riding,  are 
the  relaxing,  over-stretching  or  breaking  ihe  muscles 
or  tendinous  fibres.  A  strain,  unless  uncommonly 
bad,  may  be  cured  in  a  short  tirAe,  by  applying  the 
following  remedies : 

Number  1.  Take  of  sharp  vinegar,  one  pint;  spirit. 
oi  any  kind,  half  a  pint;  camphor,  one  ounce:  mix 
them  well  together  and  bathe  the  part  injured  twice  a 


134  STAGGERS. 

day;  a  piece  of  flannel  wet  with  the  mixture  and  wrap 
ped  around  the  part,  will  he  very  beneficial ;  take  from 
ihe  neck  vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood. 

No.  2.  Take  of  opodeldoc  (which  can  be  procured 
from  any  apothecary's  shop)  a  piece  the  size  of  a  mar- 
ble, and  rub  it  on  the  strained  part  with  the  naked 
hand  until  the  hand  becomes  dry,  twice  a  day :  should 
the  injured  part  resist  both  these  remedies,  you  may 
conclude  the  injury  is  a  very  serious  one,  which 
nothing  but  time  can  relieve,  and  the  horse  must  be 
turned  out  upon  grass  a  sufficient  length  of  time  for 
nature  herself  to  perform  the  great  operation. 


— M*ee 


STAGGERS. 

The  staggers  is  a  very  common  as  well  as  a  very 
fatal  disease  among  horses  of  all  ages:  though  young 
horses  are  more  subject  to  it  than  those  advanced  in 
years. 

Many  various  opinions  have  been  offered  to  the 
public,  and  some  with  much  confidence,  relative  to  the 
origin  and  seat  of  this  disease.  But  few,  if  any,  as 
vet,  have  investigated  the  subject  with  correctness. 

The  staggers,  in  my  opinion,  are  produced  by  per- 
mitting a  horse  to  fged  on  grass  in  the  spring  and  fall, 
late  at  night  and  early  in  the  morning;  for  early  In 
the  morning  and  late  in  the  evening,  the  fields  and 
pastures  are  covered  with  a  poisonous  web,  which  is 
«;pun  and  spread  upon  the  grass  by  a  small  spider.  So 
rapidly,  so  indusiriouslv  dies  this  little  insect  work, 


STAGGERS.  135 

that  in  the  space  of  one  night,  not  a  blade  or  spire  of 
grass^has  been  left  untouched.     This  web,  catching  the 
dew-drops  on  its  bosom,  causes  the  fields  in  the  morn 
ing  to  glisten  and  sparkle  as  if  covered  with  a  thin 
sheet  of  ice.     A  horse  that  feeds  upon  a  pasture  in 
this  situation  must,  of  course,  collect  large  quantities 
of  this  web  and  dew,  and  very  often  the  spider  itself. 
They  act  upon  the  horse,  producing  delirium,  giddi-' 
ness,   apoplexy,   and  sometimes   death.      The  lungs 
appear  to  be  the  principal  seat  of  this  disease ;  for  in 
cases  of  dissection  they  have  been  found  much  en- 
larged, and  covered  with  large  brown  spots  ;  smell 
very  offensively,  and  have  some  appearance  of  moi 
tification. 

The  large  quantity  of  poison  ttslcen  into  the  stomach 
acts  upon  its  nerves,  and  the  sympathy  that  exists  be- 
tween that  organ  and  the  large  nerves  of  the  head, 
accounts  for  the  dull,  giddy,  and  dejected  countenance 
of  the  animal,  and  has  induced  many  to  believe  the 
staggers  was  confined  to  that  part  alone.  The  poison 
is  then  removed  from  the  stomach  by  the  activity  of 
the  lymphatic  and  absorbent  vessels,  thrown  into  the 
circulation  of  the  blood,  diffused  over  every  part  of  the 
system,  and  finally  carried  by  the  arteries  into  the 
lungs,  through  which  all  the  blood  in  the  body  of  a 
horse  passes  many  times  m  an  hour,  and  undergoes  a 
change.  Sometimes  a  determination  of  blood  to  the 
head  takes  place,  which  generally  ends  fatally,  pro- 
ducing a  furious  delirium,  the  horse  throwing  himself 
about  with  great  violence,  making  it  dangerous  for  any 
person  to  venture  near  him. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  the  staggers  are  a 

drowsiness,  eyes  inflamed,  half  shut,  and  full  of  tears, 

the  appetite  bad,  the  disposition  to  sleep  gradually 

mcreased,  feebleness,  a  continual  hanging  of  the  head 

13  K 


1 3G  STAGGERS. 

or  resting  it  on  the  manger,  rearing,  falling,  and  lying 
in  a  state  of  insensibility,  walking  a  small  circle  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time,  the  ears  hot,  with  a  burn- 
ing fever,  &c.  &c.  &:c. 

Remedy. — Take  from  the  neck  vein  half  a  gallon 
of  blood,  three  times  in  a  week  ;  take  of  sassafras  tea, 
three  half  pints  ;  plantain  juice,  half  a  pint ;  asafoeti- 
da,  half  an  ounce ;  saltpetre,  one  tea  spoonful ;  mix 
and  give  them  as  a  drench  three  mornings  in  a  week ; 
give  an  injection  composed  of  one  pint  of  meal,  two 
quarts  of  water,  one  quart  of  molasses  and  one  spoon- 
ful of  hog's  lard ;  let  the  horse  be  moderately  exer- 
cised, and  whenever  he  is  standing  should  be  well 
rubbed  ;  give  a  mash  iwice  a  week,  composed  of  one 
gallon  of  bran,  one  table  spoonful  of  sulphur,  one  tea 
spoonful  of  saltpetre,  one  quart  of  boiling  sassafras 
tea,  and  a  eighth  of  an  ounce  of  asafcetida,  not  per- 
miting  the  horse  to  drink  cold  water  for  six  hours 
afterwards.  Should  he  be  much  mended  by  this  treat- 
ment, nothing  more  will  be  necessary,  except  feeding 
him  on  bran,  or  light  food  of  any  kind ;  but  should  he 
appear  to  receive  no  benefit  from  these  attentions,  in 
four  or  five  days,  take  of  calomel,  twenty-five  grains ; 
of  opium,  two  drachms;  camphor,  two  drachms; 
powdered  fennel-seed,  one  drachm  ;  of  syrup,  of  any 
kind,  a  sufficient  quantity  to  make  the  ingredients  into 
a  ball,  which  may  be  given  every  morning  for  four  or 
five  days,  by  which  time  the  horse  will  get  well  il 
his  disease  will  admit  of  a  cure. 

Horses  that  are  confined  in  a  stable  never  have  the 
staggers ;  consequently  it  would  be  advisable  foi 
every  person,  whose  situation  will  admit  of  it,  to  con 
fine  their  horses,  particularly  at  night,  during  the 
sspring  and  fall  months 


MANGE  HIDE  BOUND.  1 37 


MANGE. 

The  manege  in  horses  is  a  disease  of  the  skin,  whicK 
u  generally  rough,  thick,  and  full  of  wrinkles,  espe- 
cially about  the  mane,  tail,  and  thighs,  and  the  little 
hair  that  remains  on  these  parts  stands  up  very  niuch 
like  bristles. 

The  ears  and  eye-brows  are  sometimes  attacked, 
and  in  a  short  time  are  left  quite  naked.  The  mange 
is  an  infectious  disease :  indeed  so  much  so,  that  if  a 
horse  is  carried  into  a  stable  where  one  that  is  mangy 
has  been  in  the  habit  of  standing,  he  will  be  almost 
certain  to  take  the  infection,  unless  the  litter  has  been 
removed  and  the  stable  properly  cleansed  and  aired. 
Proper  attention  will  make  the  cure  easy. 

Remedy. — Take  of  powdered  brimstone  and  hogs 
/ard  an  equal  quantity,  mix  them  well  together  and 
anoint  the  pai't  affected  twice  a  day,  bleed  plentifully 
and  give  two  or  three  mashes  (composed  of  bran,  sul- 
phor,  saltpetre,  and  sassafras)  within  a  week,  by  whicii 
time  a  cure  will  be  performed. 

A  clean  stable  and  nice  bed  of  straw  will  aid  much 
in  accomplishing  the  object  in  view. 

HIDE  BOUND. 

A  HORSE  is  said  to  be  hide  bound  when  his  skin 
will  not  slip  under  the  pressure  of  the  hand,  but  stick* 
as  fast  to  the  ribs  as  if  it  was  glued. 


136  SURFEIT. 

Hoises  are  sometimes  hide  bound  in  consequence  ol 
feeling  the  effects  of  some  violent  disease,  and  it  is 
often  a  bad  symptom ;  but  generally,  this  tightness  of 
the  skin  proceeds  from  poverty,  cruel  usage,  and 
sometimes  from  worms. 

The  first  thing  necessary  for  performmg  a  cure  is, 
to  offer  better  treatment  to  the  animal,  giving  him 
plenty  of  light  food,  such  as  bran,  oats,  &c.  and  a  clean 
stable  v^^ith  fresh  litter.  Then  take  from  the  neck 
vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood;  at  night  give  a  mash  com- 
posed of  one  gallon  of  bran,  scalded  Virith  sassafras  tea; 
one  table  spoonful  flour  of  sulphur  or  powdered  brim- 
stone, and  one  tea  spoonful  of  saltpetre ;  not  permitting 
him  to  drink  for  six  hours  afterwards. 

On  the  second  day,  at  twelve  o'clock,  take  of  cop- 
peras, two  table  spoonfuls ;  of  warm  sassafras  tea,  one 
quart ;  saltpetre,  one  tea  spoonful ,  mix  and  give  them 
as  a  drench.  Have  the  horse  well  rubbed,  and  in  a 
few  days  he  will  be  entirely  relieved. 


_Mt9^9«< 


SURFEIT. 

The  surfeit  is  a  common  disease  among  horses  tha. 
have  been  cruelly  or  injudiciously  treated.  Sudden 
changes  from  heat  to  cold,  plunging  deep  into  cold 
water  and  drinking  plentifully  after  being  excessively 
hard  rode,  unsound  food,  being  turned  from  a  warm 
and  comfortable  stable  out  into  the  cold  air,  night 
de.ws,  &c.  6lc  often  produce  surfeit. 


SURFEIT.  139 

Symptoms. — The  surfeit  first  makes  its  appearance 
With  many  fine  and  small  lumps  under  the  skin,  a 
partial  falling  off  of  the  hair,  and  a  constant  itching : 
at  length  a  great  number  of  scabs  are  formed,  and 
some  small  ulcers,  and  unless  some  remedy  is  em- 
ployed, the  whole  coat  of  hair  falls  off  and  the  norse 
becomes  covered  with  scabs:  tlie  hair  in  the  mane 
and  tail  will  be  nearly  rubbed  off,  and  the  little  remain- 
mg  will  stand  erect. 

Remedy, — Take  from  the  neck  vein  on  the  first  and 
fourth  days  of  the  week,  half  a  gallon  of  blood  ;  give 
a  mash  of  one  gallon  of  bran,  one  table  spoonful  of 
sulphur,  one  tea  spoonful  of  saltpetre,  and  a  quart  of 
hot  sassafras  tea,  well  mixed  togethei-,  three  times 
within  a  week,  not  permitting  him  to  drink  for  six 
hours  whenever  a  mash  is  taken. 

Give  three  drenches  within  the  week,  composed  of 
one  quart  of  sassafras  tea,  and  one  tea  spoonful  of  salt- 
petre, each.  Change  the  horse's  litter  frequently ; 
keep  his  stable  clean,  and  do  not  permit  him  to  gel 
wet. 

Take  of  hog's  lard  and  sulphur,  equal  parts,  mix 
them  and  anoint  the  horse  where  the  surfeit  appears 
worse,  once  a  day ;  and  by  the  expiration  of  a  week, 
if  the  horse  is  not  entirely  well,  he  will  be  much  bene- 
fited, and  nothing  more  will  be  necessary,  except  giv- 
mg  him  food  that  is  light  and  easily  digested,  and 
observe  towards  liim  kind  treatment. 

13* 


140  SORE  TONGUE. BIG  HEAD. 


*     SORE  TONGUE. 

Take  four  ounces  sugar  of  lead,  four  do.  bole  am- 
moniac, eight  do.  alum,  burned. 

The  whole  to  be  put  in  three  quarts  of  good  vinegar, 
and  the  horse's  mouth  washed  or  swabbed  two  or 
three  times  a  day,  keeping  the  bit  out  of  the  mouth. 
The  above  is  enough  for  six  horses. 


V 

[fTIOM  the  AMERICAN  FARMER.] 

BIG  HEAD. 

I  HAVE  noticed  several  essays  in  your  valuable  paper, 
the  "  American  Farmer,"  on  the  subject  of  "  big  head 
in  norses^^  and  as  I  have  never  seen  any  description 
of  this  disease,  or  any  cure  recommended,  I  will 
endeavour  to  communicate  what  my  limited  experience 
on  that  subject  has  taught  me  : 

About  twelve  years  ago  the  disease  made  its  ap- 
pearance in  this  neighbourhood,  and  before  a  remedy 
was  found  out,  many  losses  were  sustained,  by  the 
deatli  of  the  horses  which  were  diseased.  One  of  my 
neighbours  lost  horses  to  the  value  of  six  or  seven 
thousand  dollars,  among  them  some  of  the  best  blood- 
ed mares  and  colts.  I  lost  one  onlv,  and  the  first  and 
only  one,  a  brood  mare,  which  had  it  about  that  time. 
Various  appHcations  were  made  to  cure  it,  such  as 
driving  in  spirits  of  turpentine  by  rubbing  the  parts 
aiTected,  and  holding  a  red  hot  iron  near  the  place  ; 


BIG  HEAD.  141 

burning,  bruising,  and  cutting,  were  also  resorted  to, 
but  in  every  case  that  I  saw  or  heard  of,  the  disease 
tsrminated  in  the  death  of  the  animal.  At  length 
white  arsenic  was  recommended,  but  by  whom  it  was 
first  discovered,  I  am  ignorant.  I  had  occasion,  about 
four  years  ago,  to  try  it  on  a  fine  Archy  mare,  then  in 
foal  by  Archy ;  she  was  aflfected  on  both  sides  of  the 
face,  and  I  succeeded  in  curing  her :  she  produced  a 
horse  colt,  whilst  she  was  under  the  operation  of  the 
arsenic.  At  about  two  years  old  the  colt  was  affected 
on  one  side  of  the  face. .  I  had  recourse  to  the  arsenic 
and  completely  eradicated  the  disorder,  leaving  only  a 
slight  scar,  though  the  mucus  membrane  of  the  nostril 
was  so  much  injured  as  to  cause  a  difficulty  of  breath- 
ing through  it.  The  mare  was  still  more  affected,  as 
both  nostrils  were  nearly  closed,  and  her  head  con- 
tinued to  be  much  larger  than  before  she  was  taken 
with  the  disease,  though  generally  in  good  order,  and 
occasionally  worked.  She  has,  however,  produced 
three  fine  colts  since,  none  of  which  has  as  yet  been 
affected  with  the  big  head.  I  designed  to  have  trained 
her  first  colt,  but  in  consequence  of  the  affection  of  his 
nostril,  I  dechned  the  idea.  He  is  now  four  years  old, 
enjoying  fine  health,  and  possessing  great  vigour  as 
a  stallion.  I  am  thus  particular  in  detailing  the  cha- 
racter of  the  animals  who  have  been  cured,  that  it 
may  be  seen  how  little  horses  are  affected  by  the  dis- 
ease after  it  has  been  cured.  I  have  known  the  arsenic 
exhibited  in  at  least  twenty  cases,  in  all  of  which  it 
effected  a  cure,  and  I  think  I  can  say,  that  it  is  an 
infallible  remedy.  I  will  now  endeavour  to  describe 
the  disease,  and  the  recipe; 

Symptoms— hoss   of  appetite,   a   drooping  of  the 
head  and  a  disinclination  to  move  about — a  5lia;ht 


1  42  BIG  HEA.D. 

weeping  from  the  eye  on  the  side  affected — -in  a  short 
time  a  local  swelling  appears  on  the  side  of  the  face  in 
a  direct  line  between  the  eye  and  nostril,  which  on 
being  pressed  hard  with  the  finger  causes  the  animal 
to  wince,  and  by  rubbing  it  gently  with  the  hand, 
appears  to  give  ease  to  him — an  enlargement  of  the 
jaw  bone,  and  a  considerable  decline  in  flesh.  I  have 
not  discovered  that  the  disease  is  attended  with  fever ; 
if  it  is  suffered  to  run  long,  it  causes  an  affection  of  the 
joints — they  become  pufl^ed,  as  if  inflated  with  wind, 
and  in  a  short  time  those  swellins^s  become  filled  with 
pus,  and  ultimately  break,  and  a  discharge  of  purulent 
matter  issues  from  the  joints,  and  the  animal  falls,  to 
rise  no  more  without  help.  It  is  supposed  to  be  infec- 
tious only  in  this  last  state  of  the  disease. 

Cure, — As  soon  as  the  swelling  on  the  side  of  the 
face  appears,  take  a  piece  of  white  arsenic  about  the 
size  of  a  common  field  pea,  (or  about  six  or  eight  grains 
pulverized  and  wrapped  in  fine  paper,  of  a  size  only 
sufficient  to  contain  it,)  make  an  incision  in  the  skin, 
immediately  over  the  hard  tumour,  insert  the  arsenic 
(or  the  paper  containing  it,)  and  with  a  needle  and 
thread  make  one  suture  or  stitch,  tie  the  ends  of  the 
thread  in  a  hard  knot,  bleed  the  horse,  and  turn  him 
out  alone  in  a  good  pasture,  or  if  it  is  cold  weather, 
put  him  in  a  stable,  removed  from  other  horses,  and 
feed  him  on  light  food — in  a  few  days  the  effects  of 
the  arsenic  will  be  discoverable  by  a  considerable 
swelling  of  the  head^  nose,  and  face,  which  will  increase 
until  the  power  of  the  arsenic  is  exhausted — if  both 
sides  of  the  face  are  operated  on  at  the  same  time, 
ihe  head  will  swell  to  an  enormous  size — in  about  a 
month,  or  six  weeks,  the  arsenic  will  have  developed 
»ls  efficacy  by  the  appearance  of  a  circular  piece  ol 


BIG    HEAD.  Il3 

skin,  and  the  porous  bone  of  the  face  which  extends 
as  far  as  the  seat  of  the  disease,  or  the  influence  of  the 
arsenic  on  the  affected  part ;  this  circular  develop- 
ment extends  as  far  as  the  affected  part  only,  and  is 
quite  callous  and  nearly  detached  from  the  sound  skin, 
leaving  the  wholesome  flesh  in  its  natural  state.  In  a 
month  or  six  weeks  longer,  this  circular  part  becomes 
entirely  detached  on  its  periphery  from  the  sound 
skin,  and  adheres  to  the  side  of  the  face  by  a  few 
slight  integuments  about  its  centre,  which  soon  decays, 
(or  it  may  be  cut  off,)  and  the  diseased  parts  drop  out 
in  a  mass,  leaving  a  hideous  wound ;  then  may  be 
seen  the  porous  bone  of  the  face,  resembling  honey- 
comb, which  soon  becomes  covered  with  sound  flesh 
and  skin :  the  w^ound  may  be  soon  healed  by  using 
common  applications,  though  I  have  made  use  of  what 
we  farmers  in  the  country  call  pot  liquor,  as  a  wash, 
and  anointing  the  place  with  an  ointment  made  by 
bruising  the  leaves  of  the  common  poke-weed,  {Phy- 
tolacca decaiidra)  and  extracting  the  juice  by  pressure, 
and  stewing  it  in  hog's  lard,  or  of  the  Jamestown 
weed,  or  thorn  apple,  (datura  stramonium^  prepared 
in  the  same  way.  These  applications  may  be  made 
use  of  with  advantage  as  soon  as  it  is  discovered  thai 
the  parts  begin  to  separate.  If  the  weather  be  warm 
it  may  be  necessary  to  anoint  the  parts  with  a  mixture 
of  common  tar  and  hog's  lard,  or  the  juice  of  eldei 
stewed  in  hog's  lard,  in  order  to  keep  away  the  blow 
fly,  which  will  be  attracted  to  the  parts  by  the  offen- 
siveness  of  the  scent  emitted.  It  cannot  be  expected 
that  a  horse  which  has  thus  been  operated  upon,  will 
regain  the  beauty  of  his  head,  particularly  if  he  be  an 
old  horse,  or  has  been  affected  on  both  sides  of  the 
'ace,  or  the  disease  has  been  suffered  to  run  too  lon^ 


144  BIG  HEAD. 

before  applying  the  remedy :  this  is  evidenced  by  the 
appearance  of  my  mare.  1  suffered  the  disease  to  run 
too  long,  because  I  was  fearful  that  the  arsenic  might 
mjure  the  foal,  but  was  induced  to  risk  it  rather  than 
lose  the  mare :  the  stallion  on  the  contrary,  exhibits 
the  effects  of  it  in  but  a  slight  degree.  It  may  be 
proper  to  remark,  that  a  less  quantity  of  arsenic  will 
answer  for  a  colt  than  for  an  old  horse ;  and  that  it 
ought  to  be  inserted  as  high  up  on  the  face  as  the  seat 
of  the  disease  will  admit  of;  perhaps  on  the  upper 
edge  of  the  swelled  part  will  answer  the  same  end. 

Another  remedy  has  been  communicated  to  me, 
which  is  much  more  simple ;  and  if  it  be  a  remedy, 
certainly  possesses  great  advantages  over  the  one  on 
which  I  have  been  treating.  I  have  never  known 
it  tried,  but  I  am  induced  to  believe  that  it  is  a  remedy, 
both  from  its  analogy  to  the  arsenic,  and  from  the 
authority  from  which  I  derived  my  information.  It  is 
this  :  Instead  of  the  arsenic,  take  half  a  pint  of  strong 
ashes,  (hickory  I  suppose,)  put  them  into  a  tin  cup,  (of 
about  a  pint  measure,)  smaller  at  the  mouth  than  at 
the  bottom,  say  about  one  and  a  half  inches  at  the 
mouth  in  diameter ;  fill  the  cup  or  pot  with  water,  and 
let  it  boil  for  half  an  hour,  or  until  the  water  has  been 
evaporated,  or  absorbed  by  the  ashes,  cord  the  horse's 
nose  in  the  usual  way,  or  otherwise  confine  him,  in 
order  that  he  may  be  still,  and  apply  the  mouth  of  the 
cup  to  the  part  affected,  with  the  ashes  quite  hot  and 
nearly  dry,  having  previously  covered  it  with  a  thin 
cloth  to  prevent  the  ashes  from  coming  in  contact  with 
the  skin  of  the  horse,  and  hold  it  in  that  position  until 
the  heat  has  subsided,  when  it  may  be  removed  :  in  a 
day  01  two  the  parts  will  exhibit  a  gluey  exudation, 
which  will  disappear  in  the  course  of  a  week,  leaving 


FISTULA.  145 

an  inconsiderable  sore  like  a  burn,  which  may  be  soon 
cured  by  treating  it  as  such.  It  may  be  necessary  in 
some  cases  to  make  the  second  application.  The 
horse  may  be  used  as  usual  at  the  time,  and  when 
the  wound  heals  up,  scarcely  any  scar  will  remain. 

OVf  Take  blood  from  the  neck  vein  and  bathe  the 
swell-ed  parts  with  spirits  of  turpentine  once  or  twice 
a  week,  rubbing  it  in  with  a  hard  brush  until  you  dis- 
cover the  swelling  is  stopped :  the  lumps  always 
remain,  but  as  they  cease  to  grow  the  horse  gets 
better. 

Or,  Give  stramonium  (Jamestown  or  Jfmeson  weed) 
in  doses  of  one  drachm,  mixed  with  his  feed  for  several 
days,  then  turning  him  out  for  two  or  three  months. 


-.►^©e*"- 


FISTULA. 

The  fistula  in  the  withers,  generally  proceeds  from 
some  blow  or  bruise,  and  is  the  most  disagreeable 
disease  t(  which  a  horse  is  subject.  1  would  recom- 
mend it  to  every  person,  whose  situation  will  admit 
of  the  sacrifice,  to  dispose  of  a  horse  thus  unfortunately 
affected,  for  whatever  sum  he  would  bring,  or  even 
give  him  away,  sooner  than  be  at  the  expense  and 
trouble,  and  run  the  risk  of  performing  a  cure  wdiich, 
if  completed,  would  be  tedious,  and  the  horse  be  much 
lessened  in  value  in  consequence  of  being  disfigured  by 
the  scar  which  unavoidably  will  be  left.  The  remedy 
here  recommended  is  severe,  but  it  will  have  the 
desired  effect  more  speedily  than  any  other. 


1 46  POLL-EVIL. 

So  soon  as  the  fistula  assumes  a  formidable  appear- 
ance, fomentations  of  bitter  herbs  should  be  employed, 
such  as  wormwood,  camomile,  bay  leaves,  mullen, 
life-everlasting,  &c.  boiled  in  water  to  a  strong  decoc- 
tion, and  after  being  strained,  should  be  applied  hot  as 
the  horse  can  bear  it  without  giving  pain,  by  means 
of  large  woollen  cloths.  This  application  promotes 
suppuration,  and  when  matter  is  formed  let  the  tumour 
be  opened,  so  that  its  contents  may  be  completely 
evacuated  ;  after  which  let  the  sore  be  nicely  washed 
with  strong  soap  suds,  and  apply  the  following  oint- 
ment once  a  day: — Take  of  verdigris,  half  an  ounce* 
copperas,  half  an  ounce ;  oil  turpentine,  one  ounce ; 
ointment  of  yellow  rosin,  four  ounces ;  to  be  well  mixed 
together.  As*  soon  as  healthy  matter  is  discharged 
from  the  fistula  the  ointment  may  be  discontinued, 
and  nothing  more  will  be  necessary,  except  keeping 
it  perfectly  clean  with  strong  soap  suds. 

When  the  fistula  first  makes  its  appearance,  it  may 
be  removed  or  prevented  by  placing  a  rowel  or  seton  ip 
each  shoulder,  just  below  the  swelled  or  inflamed  parJ 
which  should  be  kept  running  two  or  three  weeks. 


-*f«@©«— 


POLL-EVIL. 

The  poll-evil,  like  the  fistula,  proceeds  from  some 
blow,  bruise,  or  external  injury,  and  its  consequences 
lire  much  to  be  areaded.  A  horse  thus  diseased  would 
be  well  sold  almost  at  any  price,  though  the  cure  is 
tolerably  ^.ertain,  yet  extremely  slow.     The  poll-evil 


POLL-EVIL.  147 

IS  an  abscess  or  swelling  found  in  the  sinews,  between 
the  noil  bone  and  the  uppermost  vertebra  of  the  nock, 
immediately  on  the  poll  or  nap  of  the  neck.      When 
this  swelhng  first  makes  it  appearance,  bathe  it  fre- 
quently with  hot  vinegar ;  and  if  the  hair  be  fretted 
off,  with  an  oozing  through  the  skin,  make  use  of  equal 
parts  of  vinegar  and  spirits  of  wine  ;  but  if  there  be 
an  itching,  with  heat  and  inflammation,  the  safest  way 
will  be  to  bleed  plentifully,  and  apply  a  red  oak  poul> 
tice,  which  will  sometimes  disperse  the  swelhng  and 
put  an  end  to  the  disease.     But  whenever  the  tumour 
is  critical,  having  all  the  signs  of  matter,  and  appears 
not  benefited  by  the  applications  already  recommend- 
ed, it  wdll  be  advisable  to  bring  it  to  a  head  as  speedily 
as  possible,  with  the  following  poultice  :  Corn  meal, 
marsh  mallc^ws,  oil  turpentine,  and  hog's  lard.     When 
the  tumour  bfecomes  ripe  or  full  of  matter,  it  may  be 
either  opened  or  permitted  to  break  of  itself ;  if  opened 
with  a  knife,  great  care  should  be  used  to  prevent 
wounding  the  tendinous  ligument  that  runs  along  the 
neck  under  the  mane.     When  the  matter  appears  to 
be  on  both  sides,  the  tumours  must  be  opened  on  both 
sides,  and  the  ligament  between  remain  undivided  ;  il 
the  matter  flows  in  great  quantities,  resembling  melted 
glue,  and  is  of  an  oily  consistence,  it  will  require  a 
second  incision,  especially   if  any  cavities   are  dis- 
covered by   the   fingers  or   probe ;    these  should  be 
opened  by  the  knife,  and  the  wound  should  be  dressed 
with  spirits  of  turpentine,  honey,  and  tincture  of  myrrh, 
until  light  and  thick  coloured  matter  is  found.    Cleanse 
the  sore  well  with  strong  soap  suds  and  a  sponge ; 
2hen  take  of  verdigris,    half   an  ounce  ;    oil  of   tui  - 
pentme,  four  ounces ;  of  blue-ston^,  two  ounces ;  of 
green   copperas,  half  an  ounce ;    mix  them  well  to- 
gether, and  hold  them  over  a  fire  until  thev  are  as  no! 


148 


LOCK-JAW. 


as  the  horse  can  bear  them  :  then  pour  them  into  the 
ibscess  and  close  the  hps  by  one  or  two  stitches ;  this 
IS  to  remain  for  several  days  without  any  other  dres- 
sing, except  bathing  with  spirits  of  wine.  Should 
matter  flow  in  great  abundance,  and  of  thin  consisten- 
cy, the  above  application  must  be  again  repeated  unti. 
the  matter  decreases  in  quantity,  and  becomes  of  a 
whitish  colour  and  healthy  appearance. 


-NHe@e< 


LOCK-JAW. 

The  lock-jaw  is  so  fatal  in  its  consequences,  that  ii 
IS  a  fortunate  circumstance  it  occurs  so  seldom  amongst 
horses. 

It  commences  with  a  difficulty  in  mastication,  and 
shoj'tly  after  the  jaws  are  so  completely  and  immove- 
ably  closed,  that  it  is  with  much  difficulty  that  medi- 
cines can  be  administered.  The  muscles  of  the  neck 
appear  much  contracted,  and  the  animal  appears  to 
suffer  great  pain. 

The  lock-jaw  is  frequently  brought  on  by  trifling 
causes,  such  as  cuts,  wounding  of  nerves,  tendons,  &lc. 
Generally  speaking,  the  cure  is  very  uncertain  ;  but  it 
will  chiefly  depend  on  opium,  the  warm  bath,  and 
fjther  antispasmodics.  Sometimes  the  sudden  appli- 
cation of  cold  w^ater,  in  great  quantities,  has  been 
serviceable  ;  friction  of  turpentine  oil  or  spirits,  gene- 
''ally  proves  useful,  as  does  a  clyster  made  with  two 


LOST  APPETITE.  149 

ounces  of  spirits  of  hartshorn,  four  ounces  of  oil  of 
turpentine,  and  the  yelks  of  three  or  four  eggs,  mixed 
with  a  quart  of  strong  ale  and  gin  or  whiskey.  It  is  a 
great  object  to  promote  urine,  sweat,  &c.  Opium, 
camphor,  and  copious  bleedings,  have  been  found,  in 
gome  cases,  very  beneficial ;  and  when  they  have 
failed,  hartshorn,  ether,  opium,  and  brandy,  have 
been  employed  with  some  success ;  though  the  lock- 
'aw  is  often  a  symptom  of  approaching  dissolution, 
and  frequently  defies  the  power  of  any  kind  of  medi- 
cine that  can  be  employed. 


®e« 


LOST  APPETITE. 

Horses  lose  their  appetites  from  various  causes, 
viz: — Excessive  fatigue,  want  of  a  change  in  food, 
dirty  fodder,  mouldy  corn,  or  a  dirty  manger,  &c.  &c. 
but  most  frequently  by  the  approach  of  some  disease. 
So  soon  as  you  discover  a  horse  has  lost  his  appetite, 
observe  the  following  treatment,  viz : — 

Take  from  the  neck  vein  half  a  gallon  of  blood ; 
take  of  asafoetida,  a  quarter  of  an  ounce ;  salt,  one 
table  spoonful ;  sassafras  tea,  one  quart ;  mix  and 
give  them  as  a  drench. 

On  the  second  day,  take  of  glauber  salts,  one  pound ; 
warm  water,  one  quart ;  after  dissolving  the  salts  give 
it  as  a  drench,  and  in  two  or  three  days  the  appetite 
will  be  restored,  unless  the  animal  is  labouring  under 
some  disease,  which  may  be  ascertained  by  the  symp- 
toms. 


150  JOLDS. SADDLE  GALLS. 


COLDS. 


Nothing  is  more  common  than  colds  among  horses, 
of  all  ages.  They  are  frequently  produced  by  a  want 
of  good  rubbing  after  violent  exercise,  which  strikes 
a  chilliness  and  dampness  over  the  whole  body  ;  being 
changed  from  a  warm  and  comfortable  stable  to  one 
cold  and  open;  standing  out  late  in  dew  at  night 
plunging  deep  in  cold  water  while  heated  in  a  profuse 
perspiration  ;  all  of  which  have  a  tendency  to  check 
the  perspirable  matter  and  contract  the  pores  of  the 
skin. 

Cold^  sometimes  produce  a  slight  running  at  the 
nose  :.  the  remedy  is  simple  and  almost  certain — bleed 
plentifully. 


SADDLE  GALLS. 

Saddle  Galls  are  generally  occasioned  by  an  un- 
equal pressure  of  the  saddle,  or  by  a  saddle  being  badly 
fitted  to  a  horse's  back,  and  if  neglected  they  grow 
into  very  ugly  and  troublesome  sores.  When  these 
inflamed  tumours  are  first  discovered,  cold  water  alone 
is  frequently  sufficient  to  disperse  and  drive  then: 
away,  if  applied  as  soon  as  the  saddle  is  pulled  off 
but  when  that  will  not  have  the  desired  eflTect,  by 
washing  them  twice  a  day  in  the  mixture  I  shall  here 
recommend,  the  cure  will  be  readily  performed. — 
Take  of  sharp  vinegar,  one  gill;  spirits,  of  any  kind, 
one  gill ;  sweet  oil  or  fresh  butter,  one  table  spoonful ; 
\o  he  well  mixed  before  used. 


SITFASTS. DIARRIKEA.  151 

SITFASTS. 

SiTFASTs  proceed  from  the  part  being  frequently 
orji?ed  with  a  saddle,  until  it  becomes  extremely  hard, 
and  after  remaining  some  length  of  time  it  is  not 
unlike  a  horny  substance.  The  cure  cannot  be  per- 
formed unless  the  knife  is  used  for  the  purpose  of 
cutting  it  entirely  out.  After  which  the  fresh  wound 
can  be  healed  with  the  greatest  ease,  in  a  very  short 
time,  by  using  either  of  the  following  mixtures : 

No.  1.  Take  of  brandy,  half  a  pmt ;  honey,  half  a 
pint ;  alum,  two  ounces. 

No.  2.  Take  of  blue-stone,  a  quarter  of  an  ounce  ; 
spirits  of  turpentine,  two  table  spoonfuls  ;  spring  water, 
one  pint. 

No.  3.  Take  sugar  of  lead  half  an  ounce  ;  aium, 
one  ounce  ;  copperas,  half  an  ounce  ;  let  them  be  well 
mixed,  and  the  sitfast  washed  twice  a  day,  after  tne 
wound  is  washed  clean  with  soap  and  water. 

DIARRHCEA  OR  PURGING. 

A  DIARRHCEA  amougst  horses  seldom  occurs  and  is 
ea^y  of  cure.  It  may  be  produced  by  a  suppression 
of  perspiration  or  by  an  increased  secretion  of  bile. 

The  following  ball  (No.  1.)  generally  gives  relief, 
hut  should  it  not  have  the  desired  effect,  No.  2  may  be 
employed. 

No  1.  Take  of  sue.  aloes,  six  arachms;  Castile 
soap,  four  drachms;  and  syrup  enough  +0  form  tiie 
ball 

14*  L 


\%2  DIABETES. 


No  2.  Take  of  opium,  one  drachm ,  antimony, 
ihree  drachms  ;  powdered  ginger,  two  drachms ;  and 
sVrup  enough,  of  any  kind,  to  form  a  ball. 

It  will  benefit  a  horse  very  much  by  keeping  mm 
warmh^  clothed  while  labouring  under  this  disease. 


.«^e* 


DIABETES. 

A  Diabetes  is  a  profuse  staling  or  a  constant  dis- 
charge of  water  ;  it  is  attended  with  great  weakness, 
loss  of  flesh  and  appetite,  with  every  appe"«-rance  o\ 
decay  and  approaching  dissolution. 

It  is  frequently  the  result  of  old  disorders,  surfeits, 
excessive  hard  rides,  (fee.  &c.  A  horse  of  a  delicate 
and  weak  constitution  is  extremely  difficult  to  cure, 
as  he  soon  loses  flesh  and  appetite,  his  hair  becomes 
rough,  his  eyes  weak,  sad,  and  dejected,  and  in  a  very 
short  time  he  is  unfit  for  any  kind  of  labour.  But  if 
the  following  remedies  are  employed,  when  the  disease 
first  makes  its  appearance,  if  the  horse  possesses  a 
tolerable  good  constitution,  the  cure,  by  proper  atten- 
tion, can  be  rendered  almost  certain. 

Remedy. — No.  1.  Take  of  opium,  one  drachm ; 
asafcetida,  two  drachms  ;  powdered  ginger,  two  ditto  ; 
red  oak  bark,  powdered,  one  ounce ;  syrup  of  an)' 
kind^  a  sufficient  quantity  to  make  two  balls  for  one 
dose,  which  must  be  repeated  three  times  within  a 
week,  and  the  horse  must  not  be  permitted  to  drink  an 
inusual  quantity  of  water.  A  little  salt  thrown  mto 
iiat  h^  is  permitted  to  use,  will  be  found  very  beneficial 


BLISTERS.  153 

No.  2.  Take  of  red  wine,  one  pint ;  water,  one 
pint ;  gum  Arabic,  one  ounce  ;  mix  and  <Tive  them  a.s 
a  drench  three  times  within  a  week. 

No.  3.  Take  of  salts  of  hartshorn,  three  drachms ; 
opmm,  one  drachm  ;  powdered  ginger,  two  dftichms; 
liquorice,  half  an  ounce:  syrup,  of  any  kind,  x  suffi- 
cient quantity  to  make  the  ingredients  into  two  balls, 
which  may  be  given  twice- within  a  week.  Nourish- 
ing: food,  moderate  exercise,  and  a  clean,  wholesome 
stable  will  assist  much  in  effecting  a  cure. 


«e^e._ 


1 


BLISTERS. 

Previous  to  the  application  of  a  blister  to  any  pan 
of  a  horse,  the  hair  should  either  be  shaved  or  cut  of] 
as  close  as  possible  ;  the  blistering  ointment  should  be 
egularly  spread  with  a  warm  knife  on  a  stout  piece  of 
oznaburgs  ;  and  during  the  operation  of  the  blister, 
the  horse  should  be  tied  short  to  prevent  his  biting  the 
part  or  doing  other  injury. 

Blister — No.  1.  Take  of  Spanish  flies  half  an  ounce, 
oil  turpentine  one  ounce,  hog's  lard  four  ounces;  mix 
them  well  and  the  blister  is  ready  for  use. 

No.  2 — Take  of  tar,  four  ounces  ;  vitriolic  acid  two 
drachms,  oil  of  origanum,  half  an  ounce  ;  hog's  lard, 
two  ounces  ;  Spanish  flies,  two  ounces.  This  blis«<}» 
IS  excellent  for  the  spavin. 


«r»4  CLYSTERS. 


CLYSTER  OR  GLYSTER. 

As  clysters  very  often  are  the  means  of  saving 
norses'  lives,  I  shall  here  recommend  the  best  and  sim- 
plest mode  of  administering  them.  Take  a  large 
bladder,  cut  off  the  neck  and  soften  it  in  warm  water, 
rake  a  pewter  pipe,  common  reed,  or  any  other  smooth, 
tube,  nine  or  ten  inches  long  and  not  more  than  an  inch 
in  diameter;  the  clyster  must  then  be  poured  through 
a  funnel  into  the  bag,  and  securely  tied  around  one  end 
of  the  tube  ;  the  otner  must  be  made  perfectly  stnooth 
find  rounding,  well  oiled,  and  introduced  into  the  anus 
several  inches;  the  liquid  in  the  bladder  must  be 
forced  through  the  tube  by  pressure  with  the  hand. — 
When  a  clyster  is  given,  a  horse  should  be  placed  with 
his  head  down  hill,  and  if  he  refuses  to  stand,  a  twitch 
should  be  put  upon  his  nose. 

Glysters  are  of  three  kinds — opening,  anodyne,  and 
nourishing.  For  the  first  purpose  take  a  gallon  of 
warm  water,  with  from  half  a  pound  to  a  pound  of 
common  salt  dissolved  in  it;  to  which  add  four  or 
five  ounces  of  olive  or  linseed  oil.  For  the  second, 
take  two  drachms  of  solid  opium,  dissolve  them,  or 
rather  mix  them  well  with  about  half  a  pint  of  warm 
water,  and  add  from  a  quart  to  three  pints  of  Indian 
meal  or  wheat  flour  gruel.  For  the  third  purpose. 
rich  broths,  wheat  flour  gruel,  and  other  nourishing 
fluids  are  recommended.  With  respect  to  the  first 
kind  of  glysters,  it  may  be  observed  that  gruel  is  com- 
monly preferred  to  warm  water :  but  according  to  my 
experience,  the  latter  does  just  as  well  as  the  former 
AS  to  the  second,  tincture  of  opium  may  be  snbstitu- 


FOMENTATIONS.  1 5.^ 

ted  for  solid  opium,  and  is  by  some  preferred  to  it, 
but  tne  quantity  should  not  exceed  two  ounces,  on 
account  of  the  spirit  in  which  this  opium  is  dissolved. 
The  third  kind  of  glyster  is  required  only  in  lock-jaw, 
or  in  diseases  of  the  throat  which  prevent  swallowing, 
and  in  these  its  utility  seems  to  be  very  questionable. 
As  soon  as  the  glyster  has  been  injected,  the  tail  should 
be  kept  close  to  the  fundament  for  a  few  minutes  to 
prevent  its  being  too  hastily  returned.  This  is  parti- 
cularly necessar)  when  the  anodyne  clyster  is  em- 
ployed. The  pipe  must  be  oiled  or  greased  before  it 
is  introduced,  and  if  its  passage  be  obstructed  by  hard 
dung  lodged  in  the  gut,  the  hand  should  be  gradually 
introduced  in  order  to  remove  it. 


-9@9* 


F0MEx\TAT10iVS. 


Fomentations  are  generally  made  of  bitter  herbs, 
such  as  wormw^ood,  camomile,  mullen,  bay  leaves, 
sutherwood,  life-everlasting,  &c.  &c.  boiled  in  water 
to  a  strong  decoction,  strained  off,  and  applied  with 
large  woollen  cloths,  hot  as  the  animal  can  bear  it  that 
it  is  intended  to  benefit.  The  efficacy  of  fomentations 
often  depends  on  the  length  of  time  they  are  employed, 
and  their  being  frequently  repeated. 

Poultice. — The  following  mixtures  will  be  found 
useful  as  a  poultice  : 

No  1.  Take  of  bran,  one  quart;  of. sharp  vine- 
gar (scalding  hot)  half  a  pint ;  hog's  lard,  one  table 
spoonful — mix  them  for  use. 


i  «56  MASH. 

No.  2.  Take  of  red  oak  bark  a  sufficiency  to  boil 
lo  one  quart  of  strong  decoction  ;  take  of  Indian  meal, 
ii  sufficient  quantity  to  form  the  poultice. 

No.  3.  Take  of  sharp  vinegar,  half  a  pint ;  of  meal 
one  quart ;  of  hog's  lard,  two  table  spoonfuls  ;  pour  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  boiling  water  to  form  it  into  a 
mash,  when  it  will  be  ready  for  use. 


®9* 


MASH. 


A  MASH  is  generally  given  to  a  horse  for  the  pur- 
pose of  cooling  the  system,  opening  the  bowels,  and 
for  disguising  different  kinds  of  n^.edicines  which  may 
be  necessary  to  be  administered  ;  which  if  given  in 
any  other  way,  would  be  attcmltd  with  trouble  and 
difficulty,  and  would  not  be  productive  of  effects  so 
salutary. 

Mash. — No.  1.  Take  of  bran  one  gallon,  sassafras 
tea  (scalding  hot)  one  quart,  powdered  brimstone  one 
table  spoonful,  saltpetre  one  tea  spoonful. 

No.  2.  Take  of  oats  one  gallon,  flour  sulphur  one 
table  spoonful,  saltpetre  one  tea  spoonful,  boiling  wate: 
one  quart. 

No.  3.  Take  of  bran  one  gallon,  salts  (glauber, 
four  ounces,  sulphur  one  table  spoonful,  sassafras  tea 
(scalding  hot)  one  quart — let  them  be  well  mixed  and 
given  milk  warm,  not  permitting  the  horse  to  drink 
cold  water  for  six  hours  afterwards. 


BLEEDING. TO  SPO'x   A  WHITE  HOKSE.  1  5T 


BLEEDING. 

The  bleeding  of  a  horse  is  so  common  and  simple, 
ihat  but  little  instruction  can  be  necessary  for  the  per- 
formance of  the  operation.     The  blood  should  always 
be  caught  m  some  vessel  for  the  purpose  of  judging  ol 
its  quantity  and  quality ;  if  after  it  has  coagulated  a 
light  buff  coloured  jelly  forms  the  surface,  it  is  an  evi- 
dence of  the  inflammatory  state  of  the  blood.     Blooa 
drawn  from  a  healthy  horse  very  soon  coagulates  and 
appears  like  a  uniformly  red  jelly,  with  a  small  quantit 
of  fluid,  resembling  water,  floating  on  the  surface, 
consists  of  two  parts — the  red  jelly  (termed  crassa 
mentum)  and  the  water  or  serum;  the  former  may  be 
separated  into  two  parts  by  washing  the  red  globules 
and  coagulable  lymph. 

Bleeding  is  extremely  beneficial  in  many  diseases  , 
and  with  safety  from  one  quart  to  one  and  a  half  gal 
Ions  may  be  taken  at  one  time. 


te^e* 


TO  SPOT  A  WHITE  HORSE 

WITH    BLACK    SPOTS. 

Take  litharage,  three  ounces;  quick  hme,  six  ounces; 
beat  it  fine  and  mix  it  together :  put  it  into  a  pan  ar„J 
pour  a  sharp  ley  over  it ;  then  boil  it  and  you  will 
have  a  fat  substance  swim  on  top,  with  which  anoi/il 
the  horse  in  such  places  as  v^ou  desi^-n  to  have  blac  k 

1  */  CD 

and  it  will  turn  to  the  colour  immediatelv. 


158  DRIVIISG. TRIBUTE  TO   THE  HORSE. 

It  has  the  same  effect  in  changing  hair  that  is  red 
into  a  black  colour,  with  only  this  difference,  viz. : — 
Take  an  equal  quantity  of  Kme  and  litharage,  and 
instead  of  boiling  it  with  ley,  boil  it  only  with  fresh 
water ;  what  swims  at  top,  is  fit  for  use  and  will  an- 
swer your  expectation ;  what  hairs  you  anoint  with  it 
in  the  evening,  will  be  black  the  next  morning. 

DRIVING. 

It  may  be  generally  remarked,  that  men  who  drive 
fast  have  swift  horses  ;  not  that  they  drive  fast  because 
they  have  swift  horses,  but  because  fast  driving  makes 
horses  swift.  A  horse  may  commonly  be  trained  to 
a  dull  and  heavy,  or  to  an  airy  and  fleet  gait.  Nature 
unquestionably  does  much ;  but  education  does  far 
more  towards  producing  the  great  difference  in  the 
speed  of  horses,  than  most  men  are  willing  to  allow. 
Horses  are  more  frequently  injured  by  diiving  them 
beyond  their  habitual  pace,  than  beyond  their  natioe 
po  wer.  The  best  direction  for  the  education  of  horses 
is,  "drive fa.H  and  stop  oftcnr 

A  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  HORSE. 

JOHN   wall's  recipe. 

Take  half  a  pound  of  saltpetre,  half  a  pound  of 
A)um,  and  half  a  pound  of  alum  salt;  pulverize  and 
mix  them  v/ell  together,  and  every  eight  da^/s  give 
mm  a  tnble  spoonful  in  his  food;  his  coat,  flesh,  and 
«pinis  will  soon  reward  his  master  for  his  care. 


mul.es. 


MULE  AND  HINNY, 

HYBRIDS  OF  THE  HORSE  AND  ASS. 

The  mule  is  the  hybiid  produce  of  an  ass  with  3 
mare  ;  having  a  large  clumsy  head,  long  erect  ears,  a 
short  m,ane,  and  a  tliin  tail. 

The  hinny  is  the  hybrid  produce  between  the  sho- 
ass  and  a  stallion  ;  the  head  is  long  and  thin,  the  ears 
are  like  those  of  a  horse,  the  mane  is  short,  and  the 
tail  is  \vell  filled  with  hair.  The  hinny  is  much  less 
common  than  the  mule,  because,  being  less  hardy  and 
useful  than  the  other,  he  is  never  cultivated. 

The  mule,  commonly  so  called,  is  much  valued  for 
the  saddle,  and  for  drawing  carriages  in  Spain,  Portu- 
gal, Italy,  aiKl  the  East,  and  in  the  warmer  parts  ol 
America.  In  those  countries  where  great  attention  is 
paid  to  the  breed,  it  is  as  tall  as  the  horse,  exceedingly 
well-limbed,  but  not  so  handsome,  especially  about  the 
head  and  tail.  These  animals  are  mostly  sterile  ; 
some,  indeed,  have  thought  that  they  are  altogether 
incapable  of  producing  their  kind ;  but  some  few 
instances  have  occurred,  in  which  female  mules  have 
had  foals,  and  in  which  even  the  male  has  impregnated 
females  both  of  the  ass  and  horse  species,  though  such 
histances  are  exceedino-!y  rare. 

The  mules  made  use  of  in  the  southern  parts  of 
Europe,  are  now  brought, to  an  astonishing  perfection 
as  well  as  great  size.    They  are  usually  black,  strong 
15 


ir»o 


MULES. 


well-limbed,  and  large,  being  mostly  bred  out  of  fii\e 
Spanish  mares.  They  are  sometimes  fifteen  or  six- 
teen hands  high,  and  the  best  of  them  worth  forty  or 
fifty  pounds.  No  creatures  are  so  proper  for  large 
burdens,  and  none  so  sure  footed.  They  are  much 
stronger  for  draft  than  our  horses,  and  are  often  as 
thick  set  as  our  dray  horses,  and  will  travel  several 
months  together,  with  six  or  eight  hundred  weight 
upon  their  backs.  Some  think  it  surprising  that  these 
animals  are  not  more  propagated  here,  as  they  are  so 
•nuch  hardier  and  stronger  than  horses,  less  subject  to 
'liseases,  and  capable  of  living  and  working  to  twice 
the  age  of  a  horse.  Those  that  are  bred  in  cold  coun- 
tries are  more  hardy  and  fit  for  labour  than  those  brea 
:n  hot ;  and  those  which  are  light  made  are  fitter  for 
riding  than  horses,  as  to  the  walk  and  trot ;  but  they 
are  apt  to  gallop  rough  ;  though  these  do  it  much  less 
(ban  the  short-made  ones.  The  general  complaint 
made  against  them  is,  that  they  kick  and  are  stubborn; 
but  this  is  owing  to  neglect  in  breeding  them,  for  they 
are  as  gentle  as  horses,  in  countries  where  they  are 
bred  with  proper  care. 

In  the  breeding  of  mules,  mares  that  are  of  a  very 
large  breed  and  well  made,  should  be  employed. 
They  should  be  young,  full  of  life,  large  barrelled,  but 
smalled  limbed,  with  a  moderate  sized  head,  ahd  a 
good  forehead.  It  is  found  of  advantage  to  have  the 
foals  from  the  time  of  their  being  dropped  often 
handled,  to  make  them  gentle :  it  prevents  their  hurt- 
ing themselves  by  skittishness  and  sudden  frights  ;  and 
they  are  much  easier  broken  at  the  proper  age,  and 
become  docile  and  harmless,  having  nothing  of  that 
♦'iciousness  which  is  so  commonly  complained  of  in 
diese  animals.     They  may  be  broken  at  three  years 


MULES.  IGl 

ojct,  but  should  never  be  permitted  to  do  much  hard 
work  till  four,  as  they  are  thus  secured  from  being 
nurt  by  hard  labour,  till  they  have  acquired  strength 
enough  to  bear  it  without  injury.  An  expert  breed ei 
of  these  animals  found,  that  feeding  them  too  well 
while  young,  though  it  made  them  very  fat,  was  far 
from  being  any  advantage  to  them  ;  as  it  was  not  only 
incurring  a  much  larger  expense  than  was  any  way 
necessary,  but  also  made  them  wonderfully  nice  and 
delicate  in  their  appetites  ever  after,  and  also  by 
increasing  their  weight  of  flesh,  rendered  them  more 
subject  to  strains  and  hurts  in  their  morning  gambols. 
Ele  therefore  contented  himself  with  giving  them  food 
enough  to  prevent  their  losing  flesh,  and  to  keep  up 
their  growth  without  palling  their  appetites  with  deli- 
cacies, or  making  them  over  fat ;  he  also  took  care  to 
defend  them  from  the  injuries  of  the  weather  by  allow- 
ing them  stable  room,  and  good  litter  to  sleep  on, 
besides  causing  them  every  day  to  be  well  rubbed 
down,  with  a  hard  wisp  of  straw,  by  an  active  groom. 
This  was  scarcely  ever  omitted,  particularly  in  cold, 
raw,  wet  weather,  when  they  were  least  inclined  to 
exercise  themselves.  When  three  years  old,  mules 
are  proper  for  use. 

The  shoe  for  the  mule  is  for  the  fore  foot  very  smii- 
lar  to  that  which  farriers  call  the  bar  shoe.  It  is  verv 
wide  and  large,  especially  at  the  toe,  where  it  some- 
times projects  four  inches  and  upwards  beyond  the 
hoof.  This  excess  is  given  it  with  a  view  to  enlarge 
ihe  basis  of  the  foot,  which  is  in  general  exceedingly 
narrow  in  this  animal.  The  shoe  for  the  hind  feet  is 
open  at  the  heels  like  a  horse's  shoe;  but  is  lengthened 
at  the  toe  like  the  preceding  one.  Mules  are,  how- 
rvor,  bv  no  means  invariably  shod  in  this  manner :  n 


)C)2         _  MULES. 

IS  not  unusual  to  shoe  thenn  either  like  horses  or  asses, 
Jis  they  approach  the  one  or  the  other  in  size  or  wori* 
required. 


[from    the    AMERICAN    FARMER-] 

PRIZE   ESSAY. 

[The  premium  of  a  silver  cup,  of  thirty  dollars  value,  offered  by 
Robert  Oliver,  Esq.  to  the  author  of  the  best  essay  on  the  natural 
fiistory  of  the  Mule,  and  its  value  for  the  general  purposes  of  agri- 
culture, in  comparison  with  horses,  was  awarded  by  a  committee, 
appointed  by  the  Trustees  of  the  Maryland  Agricultural  Socie'.c-, 
to  the  author  of  the  following  essay.] 

A  DISSERTATION  ON  THE  MULE, 

With  the  view  of  promoting  an  improvement  in  the  breed,  and  of 
demonstrating  the  utility  of  employing  him  as  a  substitute  foi  the 
horse,  in  the  labours  of  husbandry,  canals,  <fc. 

By  Samuel  Wvlias  Pomeroy. 

" Opinion  is  the  queen  of  tlie  world — it  gives  motion  to 

the  springs,  and  direction  to  the  wheels  of  power." 

John  Quincy  Adarrts. 
"  Knowledge  is  power." — Bacon. 


Soon  after  the  accession  of  Charles  III.  to  the  c  own 
of  Spain,  his  subjects  were  proliibited  by  a  severe 
edict,  from  wearing  flapped  hats  and  long  cloaks ; 
which  caused  an  insurrection  that  obhged  him  to  flee 
from  Madrid,  after  witnessino^  the  massacre  of  nearly 

CD  ^ 

one  hundred  of  his  Walloon  guards  ;  and  might  have 
terminated  in  a  revolution,  but  for  a  speedy  revoca 
Tion  of  the  edict  and  banishment  of  his  ministers.    An 
eminent  writer  introduces  the  history  of  the  occur- 
rence, bv  observing,  tliat  "  it  is  easier  to  conquer  hal* 


MULES.  163 

the  world  than  to  subdue  a  single  prejudice  or  error, 
most  nations  having  a  superstitious  attachment  to  those 
habitudes  which  they  derive  from  their  ancestors,  that 
seem  to  come  along  with  them  into  the  world,  and 
with  which  they  were  nursed  and  brought  up." 

Perhaps  it  may  be  deemed  by  many  quite  as  vision- 
dry  or  absurd  to  attempt  an  introduction  of  the  mule 
as  a  substitute  for  the  horse,  for  the  purposes  of  agri- 
culture and  hackney  employments,  as  was  the  project 
of  the  Spanish  monarch  for  compelling  his  subjects  to 
wear  the  French  costume,  to  the  exclusion  of  one  they 
had  been  so  long  accustomed  to  look  upon  "  as  a  dis- 
tinction which  was  the  birth-right  of  every  true  Spa- 
niard ;"  and  as  we  may  suppose,  so  congenial  to  the 
indolent  habits  for  which  that  nation  had  long  been 
proverbial. 

It  must  be  acknowledged  that  there  are  serious> 
though  I  trust  in  this  age  of  improvement,  not  insur- 
mountable impediments ;  for  we  have  to  combat  not 
only  hereditary  prejudices,  or  to  speak  more  correctly 
such  as  have  proceeded  from  a  deficiency  of  means 
and  want  of  knowledge,  to  develope  the  valuable  pro- 
perties and  to  subdue  propensities  of  a  contrary  cha- 
racter in  this  hybrid  race,  but  we  are  met  at  the 
threshold  by  the  same  species  of  pride  which  the 
Spaniards  manifested  in  regard  to  their  costume, 
founded  on  the  enthusiastic,  I  may  almost  say  super- 
stitious, attachment  to  the  horse. 

It  is  believed  that  a  vast  portion  of  our  fellow 
citizens,  and  I  may  with  propriety  add  the  people  oi 
Great  Britain,  from  whom  we  have  derived  some 
inveterate  prejudices  as  well  as  those  illustrious  exam- 
ples that  have  had  such  a  powerful  influence  in  leading 
our  country  to  the  high  destinies  that  await  her,  do  noi 
15* 


l^>4  .    MULES. 

f.onsider  that  u  mule,  especially  a  well  bred  one, 
would  be  in  himself  and  in  their  view,  one  of  the  best 
formed  and  most  distinguished  of  animals,  if  they  had 
ii(n-er  seen  a  horse  ;  they  must  admit,  however,  tiiat 
he  holds  the  second  rank  instead  of  the  firs.t,  and  it  is 
principally  from  this  circumstance  that  so  little  atten- 
tion has  been  paid  to  him  in  both  countries.  Com- 
parison is  the  chief  cause  of  his  degradation — they 
look  at  and  give  their  opinions  not  of  himself,  but 
comparatively  with  the  horse.  They  seem  not  aware 
that  he  is  a  mule — that  he  has  all  the  qualities  of  his 
nature,  all  the  gifts  attached  to  the  connecting  and  final 
link  of  two  distinct  species,  and  think  only  of  the  figure 
and  qualities  of  the  horse  which  are  wanting  in  him, 
and  that  he  ought  not  to  have  ;  for  he  possesses  those 
of  more  intrinsic  value,  which  the  supreme  Author  of 
nature  has  denied  to  both  of  his  parents. 

There  are  few  subjects  of  animated  nature  that  have 
enCTaD:ed  the  attention  of  the  most  eminent  naturalists, 
more  than  the  genus  Equus,  to  which  the  horse  and 
ass,  with  their  hybrid  offspring,  are  assigned.  Lin- 
ncBus,  w^ith  a  view  to  establish,  by  new  arguments,  his 
loctrine,  or  theory  of  the  sexual  system  of  plants, 
which  Spallanzani  had  attempted  to  overturn,  illus- 
trated their  generation  by  pursuing  the  chain  of  nature 
from  the  animal  to  the  vegetable  kingdom  ;  and  has 
taken  prominent  examples  from  the  two  different  pro- 
ductions of  mules.  He  says,  "  from  the  mare  and  male 
ass  proceeds  the  mule,  properly  so  called,  which  in  its 
nature,  that  is,  in  its  medullary  substance,  nervous 
system,  and  what  Malpighi  calls  the  keel,  (carina,) 
hotiom  in  sportsmen's  language,  is  latent  in,  and 
Jerived  from  the  mare.  But  in  its  cortical  substance 
and  outward  form,  in  its  mane  and  tail,  resembles 


c 


MULES.  105 

the  ass.  Between  the  f??ina]e  ass  and  the  horse, 
the  other  kind  of  mule  is  engendered,  whose  nature 
or  medullarv  substance,  resembles  that  of  the  ass  :  but 
its  outward  form  and  cortical  structure,  or  vascular 
system  that  of  the  horse."* 

The  latter  kind  was  called  Hinnus  by  the  ancients, 
hence  the  modern  name  Hinnij.  They  were  not  held 
in  much  estimation  by  the  Romans,  according  to  Pliny, 
who  describes  them  as  difficult  to  manage,  and  so 
slow  that  little  service'  could  be  derived  from  them. 
Buffon  has  noticed  this  animal,  which  he  says  "  is 
smaller  than  the  mule,  as  it  preserves  the  diminutive 
stature  of  the  ass."  Hinnys  were  seldom  propagated  ; 
but  it  is  said  that  a  number  have  lately  been  bred  in 
Spain,  probably  in  consequence  of  the  destruction  of 
mares  in  the  peninsular  war,  and  are  represented  of 
good  size,  and  more  beautiful  than  the  mule ;  that  is, 
they  resemble  the  horse  much  more.  I  understand  a 
few  have  been  bred  upon  the  Spanish  Main,  no  doubt 
from  a  similar  cause  that  led  to  the  system  in  Spain  ; 
and  if  my  information  is  correct,  some  have  been 
recently  shipped  to  the  West  India  Islands,  but  are  by 
no  means  esteemed  so  hardy,  or  valuable  for  service, 
as  mules. 

Notwithstanding  mules  have  a  disposition  to  propa 
gate,  there  have  been  but  two  or  three  well  authenti- 
cated instances  recorded  of  their  having  bred;  ana 
those  productions  were  considered  monsters.  Buffon 
was  indefatigable  in  his  researches  on  the  subject :  and 
although  he  admits  that  it  is  possible  for  both  males 


*  See  "  A  Dissertation  on  the  Sexes  of  Plants/'  by  Sii  Charlei 
Linnaeus — read  before  the  Imperial  Academy  of  Sciences  at  St. 
Petersburgh,  Sept.  6,  1760,  and  which  obtained  the  premium  of 
one  bundled  ducats.  ^l 


166  MULES. 

and  females  to  propagate,  he  is  confident  that  their 
parents  are  of  a  species  distinct  from  each  other.  He 
says  "  the  ass  is  not  a  horse  degenerated,"  as  some  had 
supposed,  "  he  is  neither  a  stranger,  an  intruder,  nor 
a  bastard ;  he  has,  like  other  animals,  his  family,  his 
species,  and  his  rank  ;  his  blood  is  pure  and  untainted, 
and  although  his  race  is  less  noble,  yet  it  is  equally 
good,  equally  ancient  as  that  of  the  horse."  This  pro- 
found naturalist  continues  a  very  minute  and  eloquent 
comparison  between  the  horse  and  ass  ;  some  of  his 
expressions  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  apply  to  the 
mule  and  the  horse  in  a  preceding  paragraph. 

It  may  promote  the  object  in  view  to  enter  exten- 
sively upon  the  history  of  the  ass  ;  and  we  commence 
with  the  supposition,  that  when  men  became  so  far 
civilized  as  to  have  burdens  to  carry,  or  required  to  be 
carried  themselves,  this  animal  was  the  first  domesti- 
cated for  that  purpose — and  it  is  reasonable  to  infer 
that  those  of  the  least  spirit  and  most  tractable,  were 
put  in  requisition  in  the  first  instance ;  when  by  breed- 
ing in  and  in,  without  any  care  in  the  selection  of  sire 
or  dam,  became  in  process  of  time  degenerated  to  a 
very  inferior  grade.  Be  this  as  it  may,  it  is  an  unques- 
tionable fact  that  different  races  of  the  ass  now  exist, 
possessmg  properties  as  distinct  as  are  found  in  the 
species  of  camel.  For  instance,  the  Baclrian  or  single 
hunched  camel,  called  the  dromedary,  by  far  the  most 
numeious  race,  being  lightly  formed,  exhibits  great 
activity,  and  is  able  to  traverse  vast  tracts  with  the 
speed  of  a  high  mettled  race  horse.  The  Arabian 
camel,  with  two  protuberances  on  his  back,  is  con- 
siderably larger,  of  much  stronger  form,  travels  at  a 
pace  seldom  exceeding  three  miles  an  hour,  and  is 
tiapable  of  conveying  such  burdens,  that  the   A-rabs 


MULES.  1  r»7 

styie  him,  emphatically,  the  ship  of  the  desert;   yet 
they  are  of  the  same  species — a  cross  .  between  them 
breed  and  constitute  another  variety,  which  multiply 
and  according  to  Buffon,  have  the  most  vigour,  and 
are  preferred  to  all  others. 

Ancient  writers  recognise  three  or  four  distinc! 
varieties  of  the  ass.  According  to  the  learned  Dr 
Harris,  four  different  races  are  indicated  in  the  origi- 
nal Hebrew  scriptures,  viz :  Para,  Chamor,  Aton,  and 
Orud.* 

The  wild  ass  (Para.)  was  a  native  of  Arabia,  De- 
serta,  and  those  countries  v/hich  formed  the  great 
Babylonian  empire.  They  are  now  found  in  Southern 
Tartary,  in  the  mountainous  districts  and  saline  plains 
of  Persia — are  migratory  in  large  herds,  visiting  in 
winter  the  Northern  parts  of  India,  and  said  to  be  so 
fleet  that  no  horse  can  overtake  them  in  the  chase. — 
This  race  is  frequently  alluded  to  by  the  inspired 
poets  and  prophets  ;  and  afford  similies  diametrically 
opposite  to  those  drawn  from  the  domestic  race.  The 
sublime  description  of  the  former  in  the  book  of  Job, 
exhibits  such  a  contrast,  that  I  trust  its  insertion  io 
this  place  will  not  be  deemed  improper. 

"  Who  from  the  forest  ass  his  collar  broke, 
And  manumized  his  shoulders  from  the  yoke  ? 
Wild  tenant  of  the  waste,  I  sent  him  'fhere 
Among  the  shrubs,  to  breathe  in  freedom's  air. 

*  See  the  "  Natural  History  of  the  Bible,  by  Thaddeus   Mason 
Harris,  D.  D.  1  vol.  8vo.  Wells  «&  Lilly,  Boston."     A  work     woulc 
earnestly  recommend  to  those  readers  of  the  sacred  volume  whc 
are  desirous  to  be  better  acquainted  with  many  allusions  to  sub 
jeets  of  natural  history,  founded  on  their  nature,   habits,  and  cha 
lacteristic    qualities,  developing  beautiful  similies,   which   would 
otherwise  lie   concealed — and  enabling  them  to  judge  more  ctw 
rectly  of  the  propriety  of  such  allusions. 

M  ^ 

w 


J  <JS  MULES. 

Swift  as  an  arrow  in  his  speed  he  flies ; 

Sees  from  afar  the  smoky  city  rise  ; 

Scorns  the  throng'd  street,  where  slavery  drags  her  lead, 

The  loud  voic'd  driver  and  his  urging  goad : 

Where  e'er  the  mountain  waves  its  lofty  wood, 

A  boundless  range,  he  seeks  his  verdant  food." 

ScoWs  Version. 

We  find,  thai  at  a  very  early  period  of  sacred  his- 
tory, the  common  domestic  ass  (Chamois)  was  em- 
ployed in  all  the  menial  labours  of  a  patriarchal  family, 
while  a  nobler  and  more  estimable  animal  (Aton.)  was 
destined  to  carry  the  patriarchs,  the  well  born  ;  and 
those  on  whom  marks  of  distinction  were  to  be  con- 
ferred. They  constituted  an  important  item  in  a 
schedule  of  the  pastoral  wealth  of  those  times  ;  of 
course  attracted  particular  attention  and  care.  David 
we  are  told,  had  an  officer,  apparently  of  high  dignity, 
appointed  expressly  to  superintend  his  stud  of  high 
bred  asses,  or  Atonoth. 

There  was  another  race  that  has  been  mentioned  by 
Aiistotle,  and  by  Theophrastus,  whom  Pliny  quotes, 
which  they  denominated  the  wild  mules  that  hred 
(hemi-onos,)  and  were  found  in  Cappadocia  and  Africa. 
There  can  be  but  little  doubt  but  this  is  the  Hemionus 
or  wild  mule  of  the  Mongalian  Tartars,  so  particu- 
larly described  by  professor  Pallas ;  and  that  it  is  not  a 
hybrid,  but  actually  of  the  species  of  ass  resembling  a 
mule.*  This  race  is  identified  by  Dr.  Harris  with 
ihe  Orud  of  scripture. 

The  wild  ass  of  Northern  and  Western  Africa, 
whose  flesh  was  so  much  admired  by  the  Roman  epi- 

*  Herodotus  says,  that  in  the  army  of  Xerxes,  which  invaded 
Greece,  there  were  "  chariots  of  war  drawn  by  wild  asses."  M. 
Tjaicher,  a  celebrated  commentator,  renders  them  zehres  in  h's 
Prench  translation,  which  he  supports  from  Oppian,  lib.  3.  v.  18?. 
l>a*  It  is  1  jvv  well  known  tliat  the  ztbva  is  of  a  species  entirely 


MUI.es.  I  (3tf 

cures,  may,  I  believe,  be  ranked  as  another  distinct 
race.  Adanson,  a  Frencli  naturalist,  who  visited  the 
river  Senegal,  more  than  half  a  century  ago,  describes 
those  brought  from  the  interior  by  the  Moors,  as  so 
essentially  diiTerent  from  any  he  had  seen  in  Europe, 
(probably  those  of  Spain,  Savoy,  or  parts  of  Franco 
adjoining,}  it  was  with  difficulty  he  could  recognise 
them  to  be  the  same  species — neither  do  they  answer 
the  description  of  the  wild  ass  of  Asia,  of  which  we 
have  been  speaking.  But  his  account  of  them  corres- 
ponds with  the  diminutive  domestic  race  introduced 
from  Africa,  parti»"ularly  those  from  Senegal  and  the 
Cape  de  Verd  Islands  ;  and  from  which  the  small  race 
now  in  Europe  and  in  this  country,  may  with  great 
probability  claim  their  origin. 

The  Arabian  ass,  hke  the  horse  of  that  country,  is 
considered  as  the  most  estimable  of  his  species — and 
there  are  strong  reasons  for  conciuding  that  he  is 
descended  from  the  Hebrew  Aton,  so  highly  valued 
by  Abraham  and  by  the  patriai'chs,  judges,  and  kings, 
at  subsequent  periods  of  sacred  history ;  and  that  the 
same  race  has  been  preserved  in  the  ancient  land  of 
Uz,  in  some  degree  of  purity  to  the  present  time 
Indeed,  there  can  be  but  little  doubt  on  the  subject, 
if  we  admit  the  fact,  that  the  habits,  manners,  and  pur 
suits  of  the  descendants  of  Ishmael  have  continued, 
with  scarcely  an  iota  of  variation,  from  the  day  they 
took  rank  among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  The 
position  is  greatly  strengthened  by  the  information  J 

distinct  from  the  ass;  and  BafFon  asserts  that  none  were  ever  dis 
covered  out  of  Africa,  and  there  only  in  the  southern  hemisphere 
It  is  therefore  highly  probable,  that  those  alluded  to  were  the  heinu 
onus,  which  aire  dcL/cribed  as  much  larger  than  tlie  wild  ass,  and 
nearer  the  size  and  form  of  the   zebra.     See   Beloe'b   Ilerodolue, 
l^olymnia,  chap.  86. 


170  MULES 

received  some  years  since  from  an  intelligent  traveller 
of  undoubted  veracity,  who  had  vis.ited  Arabia  on  the 
south-v^^estern  side  of  the  peninsula  to  Mocha  ;  and  on 
the  eastern,  as  far  as  the  mouth  of  the  Tigris.  He 
represented  the  superior  race  of  asses  of  that  country 
as  most  beautiful — of  perfect  symmetry,  great  spirit, 
activity,  and  vigour.  He  had  seen  those  that  could 
not  be  purchased  for  less  than  four  or  jive  thousand 
dollars — an  enormous  price,  considering  the  value  of 
money  among  those  people.*  I  understand  from  him, 
that  the  Arabs  were  as  tenacious  of  preserving  the 
pedigrees  of  their  horses,  as  the  most  careful  breeder 
for  the  turf  in  England — and  not  less  so  of  their  asses. 
The  descent  of  some  of  them  they  trace  to  those  in  the 
train  of  the  queen  of  Sheba,  when  she  visited  Solomon 
— as  thev  also  do  that  of  their  horses  to  the  numerous 
stud  of  that  wise  and  gallant  king. 

Dr.  Harris  supposes  the  wild  ass  (Parri)  to  be  the 
Onager  of  the  ancients ;  and  that  the  Aton  was  of  a 
ditlerent  kind.  My  impressions  coincide  with  the 
opinion  of  the  learned  divine — but  may  not  writers  of 
different  periods  have  confounded  the  wild  ass  with  the 
Aton  in  their  representations  of  the  Onager?  for  it  is 
not  improbable,  but  that  the  Aton  was  of  the  most 
improved  breed  known,  produced  from  crosses  of  a 
choice  selection  of  the  domestic,  the  wild  ass,  and  the 
Htemionus,  or  wild  mule — which  last  Professor  Pallas 
recommends  to  complete  the  perfection  of  the  species. 
This  supposition  is  supported  by  Buffon,  who  infers 


*Neibuhr  remarks,  "  there  are  two  sorts  of  asses  in  Arabia;  the 
bmaller  or  lazy  ass,  as  little  valued  there  as  in  Euorpe  ;  and  a  large 
and  high  spirited  brred,  which  are  greatly  valued,  and  sell  at  a  very 
higJi  price  ;  I  preferred  them  to  horses.'  See  iS^eibuhr's  travels  in 
Arahifv, 


MULES.  1  7  T 

as  a  certain  fact,  that  bv  a  cross  of  the  remotest  ol 
different  races  of  the  ass,  the  most  beautiful  produc- 
tions are  obtained. 

Mules  were  in  use  and  highly  esteemed  at  a  remote 
period  of  antiquity  ;  and  are  mentioned  in  scripture 
as  of  importance  in  the  equipage  of  princes.  Hero- 
dotus, who  is  styled  the  father  of  profane  history,  fre- 
quently speaks  of  them  ;  and  it  is  known  that  they 
were  introduced  in  the  chariot  races  at  tlie  Olympic 
games  in  the  seventieth  Olympiad,  about  five  hun- 
dred years  before  Christ.  The  Romans  well  knew 
their  value.  Pliny  informs  us,  from  Yarro,  that  Q. 
Axius,  a  Roman  senator,  paid  four  hundred  thousand 
sersterces,  upwards  of  thirteen  thousand  dollars,  for  a 
male  ass,  for  the  propagation  of  mules.  And  he  says 
further,  that  the  profit  of  a  female  ass  in  breeding 
stock  for  the  same  purpose,  was  estimated  in  Celte- 
beria,  now  the  kingdom  of  Valencia  in  Spain,  at  a 
like  sum.  We  may  infer  from  a  passage  in  Tacitus, 
and  in  Plutarch's  life  of  Marius,  that  mules  were  ge- 
nerally employed  to  transport  the  ba>ggage  of  the  Ro- 
man armies  ;  and  that  it  is  not  improbable  the  superior 
officers  rode  those  of  a  high  grade,  having  their  horses 
led  except  when  they  engaged  an  enemy.  It  seems 
that  the  dilletanti  of  Rome  held  them  in  great  estima- 
tion, as  we  are  informed  that  the  mules  of  Nero  and 
Poppea  were  shod  with  gold  and  silver — not  plates,  as 
iron  shoes  are  now  formed,  but  the  whole  hoof  en- 
closed. 

Columella,  who  in  tlie  reign  of  the  Emperer  Clauams, 
oublished  the  most  valuable  treatise  on  the  husbandry' 
•ind  economv  of  the  Romans  that  nas  been  handed 
crown  to  us,  has  given  v^^ry  particular  directions  for 
oreeding  asses  and  mules.  He  was  a  native  of  Cadiz. 
16 


fJti  MULES. 

fiiid  owned  estates  in  Spain,  where  it  appears  that  th*? 
ilnest  mules  were  then  bred. 

As  it  is  not  requisite  to  pursue  our  history  of  the 
mule  any  farther  among  the  ancients,  we  shall  drop 
their  appellation  of  »2«/e  and  female  ass,  and  adopt  the 
modern  one  of  Jack  and  Jennet. 

Spain  has  continued  to  support  the  reputation  for  a 
superior  race  of  mules  to  the  present  period  :  and  it  is 
probable,  that  the  Arabian  breed  of  Jacks  were  intro- 
duced by  the  Moors,  when  tiiey  held  possession  ol 
that  fine  country,  which,  bv  crosses  and  the  effects  ol 
climate  and  soil,  have  formed  two  valuable  races, 
which  w^e  shall  notice  in  the  sequel.  The  Portuguese 
race  have  been  generally  considered  as  differing  but 
httle  from  the  Spanish ;  those,  however,  that  have 
come  within  my  view  appear  evidently  inferior.  It 
was  not  until  near  the  close  of  the  sixteenth  century, 
that  coaches  were  used  in  France  ;  before  which,  it  is 
said,  the  nobles  rode  to  court,  parliament,  &:c.  on 
mules,  that  were  brought  from  the  vicinity  of  the  Alps 
and  Pyrenees.  They  were  usually  black,  of  large 
size,  well  made,  and  mostly  bred  from  fine  Spanish 
mares.  Savoy  has  long  been  looted  for  an  excellent 
breed  of  mules.  None  very  extraordinary  are  found 
in  Italy  :  those  used  by  the  Velterino,  are  strong  and 
of  a  respectable  size,  but  of  a  slufrcfish  and  debased 
spirit.  Very  little  can  be  said  of  those  animals  in 
Great  Britain.  The  Catholic  prelates  brought  ovei  a 
number  of  superb  mules,  prior  to  the  Reformation, 
but  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  so  little  was  known  of 
them,  tnat  a  writer  of  that  period  says,  "  in  Devon- 
<!hire  some  were  produced  by  a  Jack  brought  from 
I^Vance,  and  were  knocked  on  the  head  by  the  people, 
'vho  viewed  them  as  monsters."  A  superior  race  of 
.Tiules  were  bred  in  Flanders  from  Jacks  introduced  by 


x«tfULES.  l'^{\ 

lityi  Spanish  inoimrchs  while  they  held  domiiii(jn  in 
that  country.  Fifty  of  them  were  brought  to  England 
by  the  Duke  of  Cumberland,  presented  him  by  the 
Empress  Queen,  and  from  their  beautiful  appearance, 
enfj^ao^ed  the  attention  of  a  few  individuals ;  but  the 
spirit  soon  subsided,  notwithstanding  those  who  bred 
and  used  them  were  warm  in  praise  of  their  utility. 

Among  a  voluminous  mass  of  treatises  on  agricul- 
ture and  rural  economy,  published  in  that  country  for 
near  a  century  past,  scarce  a  line  can  be  found  devoted 
to  the  mule  ;  except  by  Dr.  Anderson,  who,  in  his 
"  Recreations  in  Agriculture,"  has  made  a  few  judi 
cious  remarks  on  the  subject. 

In  Sir  George  Staunton's  account  of  Lord  Macart- 
ney's embassy  to  China,  we  are  told  that  mules  are 
valued  in  that  economical  empire  at  a  much  higher 
price  than  horses.  In  our  own  country,  prior  to  the 
war  of  the  revolution,  a  few  Jacks  of  an  ordinary  kind 
were  imported  ;  a  small  number  of  mules  bred  ;  and 
all  exported  to  the  West  Indies.  I  have  reference  to 
New  England,  as  I  am  not  aware  that  any  attention 
was  paid  to  the  system  in  the  middle,  or  Southern 
States,  though  it  is  not  improbable  that  some  valuable 
mules  may  have  been  raised  by  the  farmers  and  plan- 
ters for  their  own  use.  "When  peace  took  place,  the 
price  of  mules  in  the  West  Indies  excited  attention  to 
the  breeding  of  them,  which  was  principally  confined 
to  Connecticut;  and  several  cargoes  of  the  small 
race  of  Jacks  were  imported  from  the  Cape  de  Verd 
Islands,  and  St.  Michael's,  one  of  the  Azores.  It 
itiould  be  observed,  that  the  exportation  of  Jacks  from 
Spam  or  any  of  her  colonies,  was  strictly  prohibited, 
^nd  continued  to  be  until  after  the  peninsular  war. — 
There  might  have  been,  however,  a  few  smuggled. 


1 74  MULES. 

r 

from  the  Spanish  part  of  Hispaniola  into  Cape  Fran- 
cois, and  from  thence  introduced,  but  they  were  vastly 
mferior  to  the  Spanish  Jacks.  From  this  miserable 
stock  a  system  of  breeding  mules  commenced,  the  best 
calculated  to  deteriorate  any  race  of  animals  that  has 
been,  or  could  be  devised,  since  their  creation.  The 
purchaser  of  a  Jack  w^hen  about  to  commence  mule 
dealer,  made  little  inquiry  concerning  him  but  of  hi? 
capacity  to  propagate  a  mule.  He  placed  him  in  a 
district  where  there  was  the  greatest  number  of  mares 
of  qualities  so  inferior  that  their  colts  would  not  com- 
pensate tlieir  owners  for  the  expense  of  taking  them 
to  a  horse,  and  contracted  to  purchase  their  mules  at 
four  months  old.  Those  are  kept  in  herds,  with  pre- 
carious shelter  in  winter,  having  ample  opportunities 
afforded  them,  to  mature  and  transfer  that  propensity 
for  kicking,  which  seems  at  first  merely  playful,  into 
an  habitual  means  of  defence,  to  be  exercised  when 
the  hiped.  or  any  other  race  of  animals  approach  them. 
In  this  kicking  seminary  they  remain  two  years,  and 
are  then  driven  to  mai'ket.  At  subsequent  "periods,  a 
few  Jacks  of  higher  grades  were  procured,  from  which 
a  small  number  of  good  sized  mules  were  bred,  and  a 
few  of  them  broke.  The  breed  of  Jacks  have  some- 
what improved,  and  mule  dealers  are  now  located  in 
most  of  the  New  England  States  and  some  parts  of 
New  York.  But  the  system  as  above  detailed,  with 
few  exceptions,  has  continued  ;  and  it  is  from  such  a 
race  of  Jacks  and  such  a  system  of  breedins^  and 
management,  that  the  mules  have  been  produced,  with 
which  the  farmers  and  planters  of  Maryland,  Virginia, 
and  the  Southern  States,  have  been  supplied  from 
New  England  ;  and  such  have  furnished  a  criterion  for 
a  great  portion  of  our  countrymen  to  form  an  estimate 
of  the  value  and  properties  of  this  degraded  animal. 


MULES. 


175 


It  affords  great  pleasure  to  be  enabled,  for  a  short 
Vime  at  least,  to  pursue  our  investigations  in  a  higher 
jphere. 

Several  of  my  friends  who  had  viewed  the  Jacks 
md  mules,  at  Mount  Vernon,  in  the  life  time  of  Ge- 
neral Washington,  gave  such  glowing  descriptions  oi 
them,  and  understanding  that  part  of  that  stock  was 
inherited  by  George  W.  P.  Custis,  Esq.  I  was  induced 
to  address  a  few  queries  to  him  on  this  subject ;  this 
gentleman  with  his  characteristic  urbanity,  very 
promptly  furnished  replies,  with  liberty  to  make  such 
use  of  them  as  I  pleased,  and  I  cannot  do  better  than 
to  transcribe  them  from  a  letter  received  about  three 
vears  since.     Mr.  Custis  observes: 

"  The  Royal  Gift  and  Knight  of  Malta,  were  sent 
to  General  Washington  about  the  year  1787 — the  Gift 
with  a  Jennet  a  present  from  the  King  of  Spain ;  and 
said  to  have  been  selected  from  the  royal  stud.  The 
Knight  I  believe  was  from  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette,' 
and  shipped  from  Marseilles.  The  Gift  was  a  huge 
and  ill  shapen  Jack,  near  sixteen  hands  high,  very 
large  head,  clumsy  limbs,  and  to  all  appearance  little 
calculated  for  active  service  ;  he  was  of  a  grey  colour, 
probably  not  young  when  imported,  and  died  at 
Mount  Vernon  but  little  valued  for  his  mules,  which 
w^ere  unwieldly  and  dull.  The  Knight  was  of  a  mo- 
derate size,  clean  limbed,  great  activity,  the  fire  and 
•  ferocity  of  a  tiger,  a  dark  brown,  nearly  black  colour, 
white  belly  and  muzzle  ;  could  only  be  managed  by 
one  groom,  and  that  always  at  considerable  personal 
risk.  He  lived  to  a  great  age,  and  was  so  infirm  to- 
wards the  last  as  to  require  lifting.  He  died  on  my 
estate  in  N'ew  Kent,  in  the  State  of  Virginia,  ab(,>ui 
1809  Q>'  1^03.     His  mules  were  all  active,  spirited, 


Mild  301  viewable;  and  from  stout  mares- attained  con 
bi-derab^e  size. 

"  General  Washington  bred  a  favourite  Jack  callet 
Compound,  from  the  cross  of  Spanish  and  Maltese 
The  Knight  upon  the  imported  Spanish  Jennet.  Tliis 
Jack  was  a  very  superior  animal ;  very  long  bodied, 
well  set,  with  all  the  qualities  of  the  Knight,  and  the 
weight  of  the  Spanish.  He  was  sire  of  some  of  the 
finest  mules  at  Mount  Vernon,  and  died  from  accident. 
The  General  bred  mules  from  his  best  coach  mares, 
•and  found  the  value  of  the  mtile  to  bear  a  just  propor- 
tion to  the  value  of  the  dam.  Four  mules  sold  at  the 
sale  of  his  effects,  for  upwards  of  $800 :  and  two 
moie  pairs  at  upwards  of  $400  each  pair  ;  one  pair 
of  these  mules  were  nearly  sixteen  hands  high.  The 
only  Jacks  I  know  of  at  present,  of  the  genuine  Mount 
Vernon  stock,  are,  one  sold  by  me  to  Judge  Johnson, 
of  South  Carolina,  for  five  hundred  dollars,  at  two 
years  old;  one  given  by  me  to  Wilham  Fitzhugh, 
Esq.  of  Ravensworth,  and  one  which  I  believe  is  pos- 
sessed by  my  uncle,  Geore  Calvert,  Esq.  of  Rivers- 
dale. 

"The  Jack  purchased  by  Judge  Johnson,  I  have 
understood,  has  a  very  high  reputation  in  the  South. 

"  Upon  losing  my  groom  (Peter)  who  was  the  first 
and  last  groom  to  the  Mount  Vernon  Jacks,  I  parted 
'vith  my  stock. 

"  I'here  are  many  Jacks  that  have  come  into  th) 
country  of  late  years,  but  of  their  value  and  proper- 
ties I  am  unable  to  speak,  though  I  rather  presume  they 
are  generally  small,  and  only  fitted  to  get  mules  for 
the  cotton  cultivation  in  the  light  lands  of  the  South. 
Some  very  fine  mules  are  raised  about  Hagerstown, 
Maryland,  fi'om  Jacks  of  the  old  breed  ;  they  are 
bred  from  stout  wagon  mares. 


MULES.  ITi 

"  As  to  my  opinion  of  the  value  of  mules,  I  shall 
always  appear  extravagant.  I  have  scarce  a  horse  on 
my  estates  for  agricultural  purposes,  nor  would  I  ac 
cept  of  one  as  a  gift,  (except  for  road  wagons,)  of  which 
I  have  no  need,  as  my  property  lies  on  navigable 
water.  Nothing  ever  was  so  good  as  mules  for  the 
uses  of  this,  our  southern  country  ;  they  live  longer,  eat 
less,  and  above  all,  are  better  suited  to  our  slaves,  than 
any  other  animal  could  possibly  be:  their  strength, 
patient  endurance  of  privation  and  hardships,  slender 
pasturage,  exposure — and  in  short,  all  those  ills  to 
which  animals  are  subject  where  slaves  are  their 
masters,  give  to  mules  a  decided  preference  in  all  the 
agricultural  States  of  the  South. 

"  I  do  not  know  of  any  being  trained  to  the  pur- 
poses of  pleasure  carriages.  They  are  often  ridden, 
and  go  pleasantly,  with  great  surety  of  foot.  1  have 
no  doubt  but  that  in  time,  they  will  generally  be  used 
for  carriaf^es,  and  would  particularlv  suit  mail  coaches; 
they  are  very  swift,  and  have  great  durability  in 
travelling." 

The  Knight  of  Malta,  mentioned  by  Mr.  Custis,  was 
unquestionably  the  first  Maltese  Jack  ever  brought  to 
the  United  States.  The  second  came  in  the  frigate 
Constitution,  on  her  return  I  think,  from  her  first  cruise 
in  the  Mediterranean  ;  and  I  have  understood  was  sold 
in  the  district  of  Columbia,  or  one  of  the  adjoining 
States.  Since  that  time  a  number  have  been  intro- 
duced by  officers  of  the  navy  from  Malta,  and  the  large 
Spanish  breed  from  Minorca  and  Majorca.  From  the 
Mount  Vernon  and  those  stocks,  some  fine  mules  have 
been  bred  in  the  middle  States,  and  probably  farther 
South.  A  few  valuable  Maltese  Jacis  nave  neeri 
«n ported  in  merchant  ships. 


1 7.S  MULES. 

The  impressions  received,  when  on  a  visit  to  the 
West  Indies  in  my  youth,  by  observing,  on  the  sugar 
plantations,  the  severe  labour  performed  by  mules  in 
cane  mills,  induced  me  when  I  commenced  farminor, 
to  purchase  the  first  well  broke  mule  I  could  light  on ; 
and  notwithstanding  he  was  so  small  as  to  require  a 
vehicle  and  harness  constructed  purposely  for  him,  his 
services  w^ere  found  so  valuable,  and  the  economy  of 
using  those  animals  so  evident,  that  I  was  stimulated 
to  great  exertions  for  procuring  several  others  of 
larger  size;  in  this  I  succeeded,  after  great  difficulty, 
to  such  an  extent,  as  to  have  had  more  labour  per- 
formed by  them  on  farm  and  road,  for  thirty  years 
past,  than  any  pesron  I  presume,  in  New  England ; 
"and  every  day's  experience  has  served  to  fortify  my 
conviction  of  the  superior  utility  of  the  mule  over  the 
horse,  for  all  the  purposes  for  which  I  have  proposed 
him  as  a  candidate.  And  it  should  be  considered,  that 
those  I  have  used  w^ere  of  an  ordinary  breed,  vastly 
inferior  to  such  as  may  be  easily  produced  in  our 
country,  by  attention  to  the  introduction  of  a  suitable 
race  of  Jacks,  and  a  proper  system  of  breeding  and 
management.  The  question  occurs,  how  is  this  to  be 
effected  ?  I  will  premise,  that  there  exists  a  strong 
analogy  between  three  varieties  of  the  horse,  and  those 
of  the  domestic  ass,  considered  the  most  valuable.  We 
have  the  Arabian,  the  hunter,  and  the  stout  cart-horse. 
.  There  is  the  heavy  Spanish  Jack,  with  long  slouching 
ears,  which  Mr.  Custis  has  described,  that  answers  to 
the  cart-horse ;  another  Spanish  breed  called  the  Anda- 
'usian,  with  ears  shorter  and  erect,  of  tolerable  size, 
plenty  of  bone,  active,  more  spirited,  and  answering 
to  the  huntej.  Then  comes  the  Arabian  Jack,  with 
ears  always  erect,  of  a  delicate  form,  fine  hmbs,  and 
hill  of  fii-e  and  spirit.     Judicious  crosses  from   ^hese 


MULES.  1 79 

varieties,  will  be  required  to  produce  such  kind  of 
mules  as  may  be  wanted  for  general  purposes.  Fron. 
the  small  Jack  of  African  origin,  with  a  list  down  his 
back  and  shoulders,  are  bred  a  small  race  of  mules, 
by  far  the  most  hardy  of  any.  With  attention  to 
selection  in  breeding  the  Jacks,  with,  perhaps,  a  dash 
of  some  cross  of  the  foregoing  description,  a  stock  ol 
mules  may  be  produced,  preferable  to  all  others  foi 
the  light  lands  and  cotton  culture  of  the  middle  and 
Southern  States. 

To  procure  any  number  of  Arabian  Jacks  from 
their  native  country,  is  hardly  practicable  at  the  pre- 
sent time.  Egypt  has  been  celebrated  by  Sonnini 
and  other  travellers,  for  superb  Jacks  of  the  Arabian 
breed,  which  probably  has  been  often  improved  by 
those  introduced  by  the  pilgrims  from  Mecca.  I  ap- 
prehend no  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  them  from  that 
country.  There  is,  however,  no  question  but  the 
Maltese  Jacks  are  of  the  Arabian  race,  more  or  less 
degenerated.  The  most  of  those  brought  to  this 
country  that  I  have  seen,  were  selected  on  account  oi 
their  size,  and  had  been  used  to  the  draught.  I  should 
recommend  the  selection  of  those  that  are  esteemed 
most  suitable  for  the  saddle,  as  likely  to  possess  greatei 
purity  of  blood.  A  Jack  of  this  kind,  was  a  number 
of  years  since  imported  from  Gibraltar,  that  had  been 
selected  by  a  British  officer  at  Malta ;  and  very  much 
resembled  the  Knight  of  Malta  described  by  Mr. 
Custis.  I  found  upon  a  careful  examination,  that  he 
differed  but  little  from  the  description  I  had  heard  and 
read  of  the  true  Arabian  race  ;  indeed  I  could  dis 
cover  some  prominent  points  and  marks,  that  agreea 
with  those  found  by  professor  Pallas  to  belong  to  the 
Hemionus  or  wild  mule  of  Mongalia.  From  this  Jack 
have  bred  a  stock,  out  of  a  large  Spanish  Jenne*  o' 


1 80  MULES. 

ihe  Andalusian  breed,  that  correspond  very  minutely 
with  Mr.  Custis's  description  of  Compound  bred  by 
General  Washington,  and  also  a  mule,  that  now,  not 
three  years  old,  stands  fifteen  hands,  and  has  other 
points  of  great  promise. 

Such  have  been  the  ravages  of  war  and  anarchy  in 
Spain  for  a  long  time  past,  that  the  fine  race  of  Jacks 
that  country  once  possessed  have  become  almost  ex- 
tinct. In  Majorca,  and  probably  some  part  of  the 
coast  of  Spain  opposite,  the  large  breed  may  be  ob- 
tained ;  and  there  formerly  was  a  superior  race  in 
Andalusia,  which  it  is  hoped  have  been  preserved. — 
Crosses  on  one  of  these  breeds  bv  the  Arabian  or  Mai- 
tese,  I  consider  indispensable  to  furnish  a  race  of  Jacks 
for  the  production  of  the  most  desirable  mules,  uniting 
the  weight  and  bone  of  one,  with  the  spirit  and  vigour 
of  the  other,  although  their  height  will  in  a  great  mea- 
sure depend  on  the  mares,  yet  if  sired  by  full  blooded 
Maltese  Jacks,  their  limbs  are  too  slender  and  their 
pasterns  too  long  for  heavy  draught;  but  for  the 
saddle,  especially  from  blood  mares,  they  are  admira- 
ble, and  out  of  stout  mares  suitable  for  light  carriages. 

My  attention  has  been  but  lately  directed  to  breed- 
ing mules  ;  and  those  intended  only  for  my  own  use. 
The  system  adopted  is  to  halter  them  at  four  months, 
and  have  '.iie  males  emasculated  before  six  months  old, 
Wiiich  has  <Treat  influence  on  their  future  conduct,  and 
is  attended  with  much  less  hazard  and  trouble,  than  ii 
delayed  until  they  are  one  or  two  years  old,  as  is  the 
general  practice.  If  they  are  treated  gently  and  fed 
occasionally  out  of  the  hand,  with  corn,  potatoes,  &c. 
they  soon  become  attached;  and  when  they  find  that 
'•*  every  man's  hand  is  not  against  them,"  will  have  no 
piopensity  to  direct  their  heels  against  him,  and  soon 
'orget  thev  have  the  power.     In  v^inte'-  they  shcnild 


MULES.  IS, 

^  be  tied  up  in  separate  stalls,  and  often  rubbed  down. 
By  such  treatment  there  is  not  more  danger  of  having 
a  vicious  mule  than  a  vicious  horse ;  and  I  am  deci- 
dedly of  opinion,  that  a  high  spirited  mule  so  managed 
and  vi^ell  broke,  will  not  jeopardize  the  lives  or  limbs 
of  men,  women,  or  children  by  any  means  so  much  as 
a  high  spirited  horse,  how^ever  w^ell  he  may  have  been 
trained. 

The  longevity  of  the  mule  has  become  so  proverbial, 
that  a  purchaser  seldom  inquires  his  age.  Pliny  gives 
an  account  of  one,  taken  from  Grecian  history,  that 
was  eighty  years  old;  and  though  past  labour,  followed 
others,  that  were  carrying  materials  to  build  the  temple 
of  Minerva,  at  Athens,  and  seemed  to  wish  to  assist 
them  ;  which  so  pleased  the  people,  that  they  ordered 
he  should  have  free  egress  to  the  grain  market.  Dr. 
Rees  mentions  two  that  were  seventy  vears  old  in 
England.  I  saw  myself  in  the  West  Indies  a  mule 
perform  his  task  in  a  cane-mill,  that  his  owner  assured 
me  was  forty  years  old.  I  now  ow^n  a.  mare  mule 
twentv-five  years  old,  that  I  have  had  in  constant  work 
twenty-one  years,  and  can  discover  no  diminution  in 
her  powers ;  she  has  within  a  year  past  often  taken 
upwards  of  a  ton  weight  in  a  wagon  to  Boston,  a 
distance  of  more  than  five  miles.  A  gentleman  in  my 
neighbourhood  has  owned  a  very  large  mule  about 
fourteen  years,  that  cannot  be  less  than  twenty-eigh* 
years  old.  He  informed  me  a  few  days  since,  that  he 
could  not  perceive  the  least  failure  in  him,  and  would 
not  exchanore  him  for  any  farm  horse  in  the  country. 
And  I  am  just  informed,  from  a  source  entitled  td 
perfect  confidence,  that  a  highly  respectable  gentleman 
and  eminent  agriculturist,  near  Centieville,  on  the 
Eastern   Shore  of  Maryland,  owns  a  mule  that  is 


1^2  MULES. 

(hirty-five  years  old,  as  capable  of  labour  as  at  any 
former  period. 

The  great  Roman  naturalist,  in  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  passages  of  his  elaborate  history  of  nature, 
observes  that  "  the  earth  is  constantly  teased  more  to 
furnish  the  luxuries  oi  man  than  his  necessities."*' — 
We  can  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  remark  applied 
with  great  justice  to  the  habits  of  the  Romans  in  the 
time  of  Pliny ;  and  I  am  much  mistaken  if  ample 
proofs  cannot  be  adduced,  that  it  will  lose  none  of  its 
force  or  truth,  at  this  present  period,  in  all  northern 
climates,  or  any  section  of  the  United  States  where 
the  horse  is  employed  for  agriculture  as  well  as  for 
pleasure.  Far  be  it  from  me,  however,  to  disparage 
this  noble  animal ;  on  the  contrary,  I  feel  a  strong 
attachment  for  him,  and  at  the' same  time  a  full  convic- 
tion, that  the  substitution  of  the  mule,  for  the  purposes 
before  stated,  as  extensively  as  may  be  consistent  with 
the  requisite  production  of  each  species,  will  have  the 
effect  of  restoring  the  horse  to  the  station  from  which 
he  has  been  degraded,  and  place  him  as  in  former 
ages,  upon  a  more  dignified  footing,  an  object  of  ac 
knowledged  luxury  ;  and  thereby  introduce  a  more 

*  "  It  is  the  earth  that,  like  a  kind  mother  receives  us  at  our 
birth,  and  sustains  us  when  born.  It  is  this  alone,  of  all  the  ele 
ments  around  us,  that  is  never  found  an  enemy  to  man.  The  body 
of  waters  deluge  him  with  rains,  oppress  him  with  hail,  and  drown  . 
him  with  inundations  ;  the  air  rushes  on  in  storms,  prepares  the 
tempest,  or  lights  up  the  volcano ;  but  the  earth,  gentle  and  indul- 
gent, ever  subservient  to  the  wants  of  man,  spreads  his  walks  vath 
flowers,  and  his  table  with  plenty ;  returns  with  interest  every  good 
committed  to  her  care,  and  though  she  produces  the  poison,  she 
Atill  supplies  the  antidote,  though  constantly  teased  more  to  furnish 
the  luxuries  of  man,  tlian  his  necessities,  yet  even  to  the  la.st,  sh* 
continues  her  kind  indulgence,  and  when  life  is  over,  she  piously 
i rides  his  remains  in  her  bosom." 

PUmu's  Natural  History,  Book  II.  Chap.  63. 


MULES.  183 

correct  system  of  breeding  and  management,  in  which 
our  countrymen  are  so  generally  deficient, consequently 
more  perfect  animals  and  such  an  advance  in  the  price 
of  them,  that  will  afford  the  farmer  what  he  is  now  a 
stranger  to — such  remuneration  as  will  make  his  brood 
mares  a  profitable  species  of  stock.  And  it  is  obvious 
that  the  system  will  be  followed  by  an  improvement  in 
the  breed  of  mules,  in  the  same  ratio  as  the  miserable 
race  of  scrub  mares,  which  are  now  consuming  the 
profits  of  agriculture,  shall  become  extinct. 

It  does  not  appear  that  the  horse  was  employed  by 
the  ancients  for  any  purpose  of  husbandry.  The  ox  and 
ass  drew  the  plough  and  the  wain,  and  performed  all 
kinds  of  drudgery  until  after  the  feudal  system  was 
established  in  Europe,  when  the  numerous  retainers  of 
the  feudal  lords,  who  held  their  lands  by  the  tenure  of 
performing  knight's  service,  found  themselves  under 
the  necessity  of  making  the  horses  they  were  obliged 
to  keep,  contribute  towards  their  support  in  the  culti- 
vation. From  this  time  I  believe,  we  may  date,  and 
from  this  cause  may  be  attributed  the  introduction  of 
the  horse  for  the  purposes  of  agriculture.  Since  that 
period,  the  history  of  Europe  is  little  else  than  the 
annals  of  war  and  its  preparations ;  and  no  material 
for  that  scourge,  except  the  deluded  human  victims, 
seems  more  necessary  than  the  horse — accordingly  we 
find  that  throughout  the  whole  country,  from  the  Rhine 
or  the  Seine,  to  beyond  the  Danube  and  Vistula,  which 
has  been  the  principal  arena,  the  system  of  agriculture 
lias  embraced,  extensively,  the  breeding  of  horses  of 
different  grades  and  forms  adapted  to  the  several  uses 
in  war.  Indeed  whole  provinces  weie  appropriated 
almost  exclusively  to  the  rearing  those  animals  foi 
disposal  to  the  different  combatants ;  and  it  must  be 
17  N 


164 


MULES. 


o])vious,  that  their  general  use  in  husbandry,  at  the 
same  time,  would  follow  as  a  necessary  consequence. 
It  cannot  be  expected  therefore,  but  that  the  Dutch 
and  Germans  who  have  emigrated  to  our  country, 
should  bring  with  them  such  strong  predilections  lor 
the  horse,  which  have  continued  with  most  of  theii 
descendac^its,  especially  in  those  sections  where  com> 
munities  of  that  respectable  and  industrious  portion  o\ 
our  population  have  been  located.  In  Great  Britain, 
to  the  causes  which  have  produced  the  effects  described 
on  the  continent,  may  be  added  the  insular  position 
of  the  United  Kingdoms,  vulnerable  from  numberless 
and  distant  points,  the  horse  has  been  considered,  in 
connexion  with  the  unconquerable  spirit  of  the  nation, 
as  one  of  the  most  efficient  means  of  repelling  inva- 
sion: a  circumstance  that  would  of  itself  be  sufficient 
to  account  for  the  over-weaning  attachment  to  this 
animal.  But  identified  as  his  services  have  been  for  a 
long  period,  with  the  convenience,  sports,  and  recrea- 
tions, of  all  ranks  and  classes,  and  the  science  of 
breeding  and  training,  forming  a  characteristic  feature, 
it  could  not  excite  surprise,  if  the  approach  of  that 
terrible  spectre  famine,  should  produce  little  or  no  effect 
in  the  reduction  of  the  number.  And  although  somg 
of  the  most  distinguished  characters  in  the  nation 
eminent  for  their  practical  knowledge  in  rural  econ 
omy,  have  been  for  half  a'  century  advocating  thr 
substitution  of  the  ox  for  the  purposes  of  agriculture, 
and  demonstrating  the  feasibility,  economy,  and  vast 
saving  of  food,  yet  it  is  said  the  number  of  labouring 
oxen  have  lately  diminished  and  horses  increased. 
Five  millions  of  the  latter  are  now  supposed  to  subsist 
m  the  United  Kingdom,  and  two-thirds  employed  in 
husbandry — consuming,  at  a  moderate  estimate,  the 


MULES.  185 

p-roduct  of  twenty  millions  of  highly  cultivated  acres  !* 
And  what  is  the  consequence  ?  consumption  follows  so 
close  upon  supply,  that  at  every  season  of  harvest,  let 
the  preceding  one  be  never  so  abundant,  fast  sailing 
vessels  are  found  in  the  various  ports,  with  their  anchors 
atrip,  to  convey  intelligence  of  the  result,  to  all  parts 
of  the  world  v/here  a  surplus  of  bread  corn  is  grown — 
exciting  such  an  interest  in  our  own  country,  that  the 
farmer  on  the  shores  of  Erie  and  Ontario,  and  on  the 
banks  of  the  Ohio,  may  be  seen  reading  bulletins  of 
British  weather — the  rain  and  sunshine  of  every  day 
in  August  and  the  two  following  months — often  within 
thirty  days  after  the  time  of  their  publication  in  Londor; 
or  Liverpool.  Can  it  be  supposed  that  in  a  country 
where  an  attachment  to  the  horse  borders  so  nearly 
upon  infatuation,  that  the  question  of  the  utility  of  the 
mule  as  a  substitute,  w^ould  be '  seriously  agitated,  or 
encra2:e  scarce  a  momentarv  investi^-ation  ? 

In  no  country  is  the  mule  better  adapted  to  all  the 
purposes  of  husbandry,  for  which  the  horse  is  used, 
than  in  every  section  of  our  own.  And  it  would  be 
hio^hlv  desirable  to  be  able  to  exhibit  a  calculation  ol 
the  actual  saving,  in  dollars  and  cents,  by  his  employ- 
ment— but  unfortunatelv  no  correct  data  can  be  had. 
And  as  I  consider  such  calculations,  unless  founded 
upon  experimental  facts,  and  those  multiplied,  to  be  as 
"  tinkling  cymbals,"  I  shall  merely  submit  a  desultory 

*  Mr.  Pitt,  in  an  al)le  "  Essay  on  the  consumption  of  corn," 
published  by  the  Board  of  Agriculture,  in  1806,  estimates  that 
each  draught  horse,  employed  on  roads,  canals,  and  mines,  in 
pleasure  carriages  of  all  descriptions,  and  carts  in  cities,  consume 
the  average  product  of  four  acres  for  oats  and  beans,  and  three 
acres  for  hay.  It  is  stated  in  the  same  essay,  that  "the  aggregate 
©f  oats  imjiorted  into  England  {only)  for  twenty  years,  ending  in 
1707,  amounted  to  the  enormous  quantity  of  8,655, 04G  quarters^^—' 
apwards  of  sixty-nine  millions  of  bushels  .' 


186  MULES. 

fomparison  between  the  mule  and  the  horse,  derived 
from  such  facts  as  my  own  experience,  and  informatics 
from  authentic  sources,  will  justify  the  assumption  of. 

From  what  has  been  stated  respecting  the  longevity 
of  the  mule,  I  think  it  may  be  fairly  assumed,  that  he 
does  not  deteriorate  more  rapidly  after  twenty  year? 
of  age,  than  the  horse  after  ten,  allowing  the  same 
extent  of  work  and  similar  treatment  to  each.  The 
contrast  in  the  mule's  freedom  from  malady  or  disease, 
compared  with  the  horse,  is  not  less  striking. '  Arthur 
Young,  during  his  tour  in  Ireland,  was  informed  that 
a  gentleman  had  lost  several  fine  mules  by  feeding 
them  oil  wheat  straw  cut — and  1  have  been  informed 
that  a  mule  dealer,  in  the  western  part  of  New  York, 
attributed  the  loss  of  a  number  of  young  mules,  in  a 
severe  winter,  when  his  hay  was  exhausted,  to  feeding 
them  exclusively  on  cut  straw  and  Indian  corn  meal. 
in  no  other  instance  have  1  ever  heard  or  known  of  a 
mule  being  attacked  with  any- disorder  or  complaint, 
except  two  or  three  cases  of  inflammation  of  the  intes- 
tines, caused  by  gross  neglect  in  permitting  them  to 
remain  exposed  to  cold  and  wet,  when  in  a  high  state  of 
perspiration  after  severe  labour,  and  drinking  to  excess 
of  cold  water.  Fi'om  his  light  frame  and  more  cautious 
movements,  the  mule  is  less  subject  to  casualties  than 
the  horse.  Indeed,  it  is  not  improbable,  but  a  farmer 
may  work  the  same  team  of  mules  above  twenty  years 
and  never  be  presented  with  a  farrier's  bill,  or  find  ii 
necessary  to  exercise  the  art  himself. 

Sir  John  Sinclair,  in  his  "  Reports  on  the  Agricul- 
ture of  Scotland,"  remarks  that  "  if  the  whole  period 
of  a  horse  s  laoour  be  fifteen  years,  the  first  six  may 
?)e  equal  in  value  to  that  of  the  remaining  nine  :  there- 
fore, a  horse  of  ten  years  old  after  working  six  years 


MULES.  187 

may  be  worth  half  his  original  value."  He  estimates 
the  annual  decline  of  a  horse  to  be  equal  to  fifty  per 
cent,  on  his  price  every  six  years,  and  supposes  one  out 
of  twenty-five  that  are  regularly  employed  in  agricul- 
ture, to  die  every  year :  constituting  a  charge  of  four 
per  cent,  per  annum  for  insurance  against  diseases  and 
accidents.  He  considers  five  acres  of  land,  of  medium 
quality,  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  each  horse, 
and  the  annual  expense,  including  harness,  shoeing, 
farriery,  insurance,  and  decline  in  value,  allowing  him 
to  cost  two  hundred  dollars,  to  exceed  that  sum  about 
five  per  cent,  which  is  the  only  diflference  between  the 
estimate  of  this  illustrious  and  accurate  agriculturist, 
and  that  of  a  respectable  committee  of  the  Farmers* 
Society  of  Barnwell  district.  South  Carolina,  who,  in 
a  report  published  in  the  Charleston  Courier,  of  23d 
of  February  last,  state,  that  "  the  annual  expense  ol 
keeping  a  horse  is  equal  to  his  value  1"  The  same 
committee  also  state,  that  "  at  four  vears  old  a  horse 
will  seldom  sell  for  more  than  the  expense  of  rearing 
him."  That  "the  superiority  of  the  mule  over  tne 
horse,  had  long  been  appreciated  by  some  of  their 
most  judicious  planters — that  two  mules  could  be 
raised  at  less  expense  than  one  horse — that  a  mule  is 
fit  for  service  at  an  earlier  period,  if  of  sufficient  size — 
will  perform  as  much  labour,  and  if  attended  to  when 
first  put  to  work,  his  gait  and  habits  may  be  formed  to 
suit  the  taste  of  the  owner."  This  report  may  be  con- 
sidered a  most  valuable  document,  emanating  as  it 
does,  from  enlightened  'practical  farmers  and  planters, 
ui  a  section  of  country  where  we  may  suppose  a  horse 
f^an  be  maintained  cheaper  than  in  Marvdand  or  any 
S^ate  farther  North. 

J  am  convinced  that  the  small  breed  of  mules  will 
nonsume  less  in   proportion   to  the  labour  thev  are 
17* 


i88  MULES. 

capable  of  performing,  than  the  large  race,  biK  I  shall 
confine  the  comparison  to  the  latter — those  that  stand 
from  fourteen  and  a  half  to  rising  of  fifteen  hands, 
and  equal  to  any  labour  that  a  horse  is  usually  put  to. 
From  repeated  experiments  in  the  course  of  two  win- 
ters, I  found  that  three  mules  of  this  description,  that 
were  constantly  at  work,  consumed  about  the  same 
quantity  of  hay,  and  only  one  fourth  the  provender 
that  was  given  to  two  middling  sized  coach  horses 
moderately  worked.  And  from  many  years'  attentive 
observation,  I  am  led  to  believe  that  a  large  sized  mule 
will  not  require  more  than  three-fifths  to  two-thirds 
the  food  to  keep  him  in  good  order,  that  will  be 
necessary  for  a  horse  performing  the  same  extent  of 
labour.  Althou<Th  a  mule  will  work  and  endure  on 
such  mean  and  hard  fare,  that  a  horse  would  soon  give 
out  upon,  he  has  an  equal  relish  for  that  which  is  good  ; 
and  it  is  strict  economy  to  indulge  him,  for  no  animal 
wih  pay  better  for  extra  keep,  by  extra  work.  But  if 
by  hard  fare,  or  hard  work,  he  is  reduced  to  a  skeleton, 
two  or  three  weeks'  rest  and  good  keeping  will  put 
him  in  flesh  and  high  condition  for  labour.  I  have 
witnessed  several  such  examples  with  subjects  twenty 
years  old  ;  so  much  cannot  be  said  of  a  horse  at  that 
age.  The  expense  of  shoeing  a  mule  the  year  round, 
does  not  amount  to  more  than  one-third  that  of  a  horse, 
his  hoofs  being  harder,  more  horny,  and  so  slow  in 
their  growth,  the  shoes  require  no  removal,  and  hold 
on  till  worn  out — and  the  wear,  from  the  lightness  of 
the  animal,  is  much  less. 

In  answer  to  the  charge  generally  prevalent  against 
rhe  mule,  that  he  is  "  vicious,  stubborn  and  slow,"  1 
rar  assert,  that  out  of  about  twentv  that  have  been 
employed  on  my  estate,  at  different  periods  during  a 
couxse  of  thirty  years,  and  those  picked  up  chiefly  on 


MULES.  J  89 

account  of  their  size  and  spirit,  wherever  they  could 
be  founa,  one  only  had  any  vicious  propensities,  and 
those  might  have  been  subdued  by  proper  management 
when  young.  1  have  always  found  them  truer  pullers 
and  quicker  travellers  with  a  load,  than  horses.  Their 
vision  and  hearinc^  is  much  more  accurate.  I  have 
used  them  in  my  family  carriage,  in  a  gig,  and  under 
the  saddle :  and  have  never  known  one  to  start  or  run 
from  any  object  or  noise :  a  fault  in  the  horse  that 
continually  causes  the  maiming  and  death  of  numbers 
of  human  beings.  The  mule  is  more  steady  in  his 
draught  and  less  likely  to  waste  his  strength  than  the 
horse:  hence  more  suitable  to  work  with  oxen;  and  as 
lie  walks  faster,  will  habituate  them  to  a  quicker  gait. — • 
But  for  none  of  the  purposes  of  agriculture  does  his 
superiority  appear  more  conspicuous  than  ploughing 
among  crops,  his  feet  being  smaller  and  follow  each 
other  so  much  more  in  a  line,  that  he  seldom  treads 
down  the  ridges  or  crops.  The  facility  of  instructing 
him  to  obey  implicitly  the  voice  of  his  driver  or  the 
ploughman,  is  astonishing.  The  best  ploughed  tillage 
land  1  ever  saw,  I  have  had  performed  by  two  mules 
tandem,  w^ithout  lines  or  driver. 

There  is  one  plausible  objection  often  ui  ged  against 
the  mule,  that  "  on  deep  soils  and  deep  roads,  his  feet 
being  so  much  smaller  than  those  of  the  horse,  sink 
farther  in  ;  but  it  should  be  considered  that  he  can 
extricate  them  with  as  much  greater  facility. 

Few  can  be  ignorant  of  the  capacity  of  the  mule  to 
endure  labour  in  a  temperature  of  heat  that  would  be 
destructive  to  the  horse,  who  have  any  knowledge  ot 
the  preference  for  him  merely  on  that  account,  in  tno 
West  Indies,  and  in  the  Southern  States. 

It  is  full  time  to  bring  our  comparison  to  a  close, 
'vhich  I  shall  do   by  assuming  the  position,  that  thy 


190  MULES. 

farmer  wlio  substitutes  mules  for  hoises,  will  have 
this  portion  of  his  animal  labour  performed,  with  the 
expense  of  one  spire  of  grass  instead  of  two ;  which 
may  be  equal,  so  far,  to  making  "  two  spires  grow 
where  one  grew  before."  For  although  a  large  sized 
mule  will  consume  somewhat  more  than  half  the  food 
necessary  for  the  horse,  as  has  been  observed,  yet  if  we 
take  into  account  the  savmg  in  expense  of  shoeing, 
farriery,  and  insurance  against  diseases  and  accidents, 
we  may  safely  affirm,  that  a  c'ear  saving  of  one  half 
can  be  fully  substantiated.  But  in  addition  to  this,  the 
mule  farmer  may  calculate,  with  tolerable  certainty, 
upon  the  continuation  of  his  capital  for  tJdi'ty  years : 
whereas  the  horse  farmer  at  the  expiration  oi  fifteen 
years,  must  look  to  his  crops,  to  his  acres,  or  a  bank, 
for  the  renewal  of  his — or  perhaps,  what  is  worse,  he 
must  commence  horse  jockey  at  an  early  period. 

The  intense  interest  with  which  the  public  mind  is 
at  present  occupied  on  the  subject  of  canals  now  in 
operation  and  progress,  encourages  me  to  offer  the 
mule  as  an  important  auxihary  in  the  economy  of  their 
management ;  as  I  trust,  it  will  not  be  denied,  that  on 
the  cheapness  of  transportation  on  them,  depends  their 
utility  as  well  as  profit  to  the  stockholders.  The  mule 
seems  so  peculiarly  adapted  for  the  labour  on  canals, 
that  compared  with  the  horse,  he  may  be  considered 
almost  equal  to  a  locomotive  power  engine.  Among 
the  advantages  we  have  enumerated  respecting  his  use 
m  husbandry,  the  most  of  which  are  applicable  to  canal 
labour,  that  of  the  much  greater  security  from  diseases 
and  casualties,  which  must  necessarily  require  a  great 
number  of  supernumerary  horses,  to  prevent  interrup- 
tion in  the  line  of  passage,  is  not  the  least  important, 
nor  is  the  very  trifling  expense  at  which  the  mule  can 
».»e  supoorted  during  the  winter  months,  as  he  will  bea? 


MULES.  ID  I 

oeirig  taken  off  his  feed  till  the  boats  are  about  to  be 
launched  in  the  spring,  and  in  a  few  days  can  be  made 
fit  for  efficient  duty — while  a  horse  will  require  at  least 
half  feed  if  he  does  nothing,  or  must  be  fed  high  for 
some  time  before  he  can  resume  the  labour  that  will 
be  demanded  of  him.  The  same  advantages  may  be 
derived  by  his  employment  on  railways. 

In  a  communication  published  in  the  Utica  Observer, 
the  16th  of  May,  inst.  by  Henry  Seymour,  Esq.  one  of 
the  canal  commissioners  of  New  York,  it  is  stated  that  a 
packet  boat  on  the  Erie  Canal,  requires  a  team  of  three 
horses  to  tow  sixteen  miles,  going  eighty  miles  in  the 
twenty-four  hours,  including  stoppages  and  detention 
at  locks  ;  the  relays  demanding  fifteen  horses  for  each 
nautical  day.  If  it  takes  five  days  for  a  boat  to  be 
towed  from  Lake  Erie  to  the  Hudson,  seventv-five 
horses  will  be  required.  I  am  not  certain  but  it  may 
be  done  in  a  less  time,  but  as  there  must  always  be 
supernumeraries  kept,  we  shall  be  within  bounds  to 
estimate  that  number.  In  the  same  communication  the 
expense  of  each  horse  is  estimated  at  fifty  cents  per 
day,  I  presume  for  subsistence  only,  without  reference 
to  interest  or  deterioration  of  capital,  for  the  object 
of  the  estimate  seems  merely  to  -show  a  comparison 
between  the  packet  boats  and  freight  boats,  on  a  ques- 
tion of  profit  and  loss:  as  it  is  remarked  that  "many 
contingent  expenses  might  be  added  to  both."  Taking 
this  data,  it  will  cost  thirty-five  dollars  per  day  for  the 
horse  subsistence  of  a  single  packet  boat.  The  freight 
boats  require  two,  and  allowing  for  the  time  occupied 
m  taking  in  and  discharging  their  cargoes,  with  the 
other  necessary  detentions,  average  forty  miles  per 
day — which  being  double  the  time  of  the  packet  boats, 
although  they  may  not  require  the  same  number  of 
relays,  the  expense  cannot  materially  diftei.     From 


1 92  MULES. 

these  [jiemises  we  may  conclude,  that  for  every  boat 
navigating  the  grand  Erie  Canal,  there  must  be  ex- 
pended thi'ee  hundred  and  seveMtij-five  dollars  for  the 
subsistence  of  the  horses,  each  time  they  tow  her  from 
the  Lake  to  the  Hudson  and  back.*  Now,  if  this  can 
be  done  as  effectually  by  m^ules  for  one  half  this  sum, 
and  with  an  extension  of  tjapital  free  of  interest,  fifteen 
/ears  longer  than  that  vested  in  horses,  the  aggregate 
of  this  immense  saving  will  appear  by  ascertaining 
the  number  of  boats  at  the  present  time  on  the  canal. 
But  this  is  out  of  my  power,  and  I  should,  perhaps, 
lead  the  reader  nearer  the  verge  of  incredulity,  were 
I  to  offer  my  prediction  what  that  number  will  be 
thirty  years  hence,  the  ordinary  period  of  a  mule's 
labour,  and  which  will  then  be  some  years  less  than  a 
single  century  since  the  prime  mover  and  gwardian 
of  this  stupendous  undertaking,  the  present  Governor 
(De  Witt  Clinton)  of  New  York,  first  saw  the  light 
of  Heaven. 

I  cannot  resist  an  impulse  to  exhibit  the  mule  in  one 
other  point  of  view.  For  the  movement  of  machinery, 
the  employment  of  this  animal,  when  judiciously 
selected,  has  met  with  a  most  decided  preference,  in 
comparison  with  the  horse,  independent  of  the  eco- 
nomy in  using  him.  And  if  we  consider  the  rapid 
and  probably  progi'essive  increase  of  labour-saving 
machines,  in  every  department  where  they  can  be 
made  subservient  to  the  requirements  of  society,  it  is 

*  This  estimate  {three  hundred  and  seventy. five  dollars)  is  the 
maximum  of  expense  for  subsistence  and  other  items,  supposing 
the  whole  number  of  horses  should  be  required  for  one  boat ;  but 
they  will  unquestionably  be  employed  for  a  succession  of  other 
'joats.  And  should  all  the  relays  perform  a  tour  on  the  line  every 
day,  the  minimum  of  expense  would  be  seventy.fioe  dollars  for  each 
l»oat.  Facts  derived  from  further  information  may  enable  ur  to  fir 
J*hi!  medium 


MULES.  1 93 

jvideiit  that  there  will  be  a  corresponding  aenaand  foi 
animal  power,  as  well  as  for  that  more  potent,  derived 
from  the  elements  ;  and  although  tne  latter  may  vastly 
predominate,  yet  should  the  horse  be  employed,  and 
his  increase  for  other  purposes  continue,  as  it  now 
does  in  the  ratio  of  population,  the  number,  at  no  very 
distant  period,  may  become  as  alarming  in  our  own, 
as  it  is  at  present  in  our  mother  country.  And  not- 
withstanding we  may  feel  secure,  from  the  extent  of 
our  territory  and  extreme  diversity  of  soil  and  climate, 
Dut;  above  all,  from  being  in  possession  of  Indian 
corn — the  golden  fleece  found  by  our  "  pilgrim 
fathers,"  when  they  first  landed  on  these  shores ;  yet 
such  peculiar  advantages  may  not  insure  us  against  the 
visitations  of  one  of  the  most  distressing]^  calamities 
that  a  feeling  community  can  possibly  be  subjected  to 
Bjighlon,  Mass.  3Iaij  27,  1825. 


f^at 


APPENDIX 


TO 


MASON'S  FARRIER; 


CONTAINING 


OBSERVATIONS  AND  RECEIPTS 


FOR  THE 


CURE  OF  MOST  OF  THE  COMMON  DISTEMPERS, 


INCIDENT  TO 


«OR§E§,  OXEW,  COITS,    CAI.VES,  SHEEP, 
EAMBS,  S^VI^E,  I>0€5S,  See,  &c. 


SEIECTKD  FROM  VARIOUS  AUTHOR? 


\H 


AFFEN1>IX 


^^ » 


-M»@»* 


OF  THE  DISEASES  OF  THE  HORSE. 


1.  The  diseases  of  the  horse  are  as  numerous  and  as 
important  as  his  complicated  structure  and  the  artifi 
cial  state  of  his  present  mode  of  life  would  lead  one 
to  expect.  Until  of  late  the  treatment  of  these 
diseases  was  confined  to  the  hands  of  ignorant  farriers 
presumptuous  grooms,  or  shoeing  smiths  ;  and  the  fate 
of  the  animals  was  commensurate  with  the  wretched 
Ireatment  they  were  subjected  to      The  estaDHshmeni 


198  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

of  a  school  for  the  veterinary  art,  has  disseminated  ar 
improve  i  practice,  and  spread  improved  practitioners 
throughout  the  country ;  and  we  would  earnestly  re- 
commend an  application  to  one  of  established  reputa- 
tion in  all  cases  of  difficulty  and  danger.  But  as  it  is 
not  always  that  such  a  one  is  within  reach,  to  enable 
the  agriculturalist  to  have  in  his  own  hands  the  means 
of  informing  himself,  or  to  being  a  check  to  others, 
we  submit  a  concise  view  of  the  diseases  of  the  head, 
neck,  trunk,  and  extremities,  preceded  by  some  general 
observations. 

GENERAL  REMARKS  ^ 

On  the  Ht'ulihy  and  Diseased  State  of  the  Horse. 

2.  Condition  of  Horses. — Being  in  condition,  in  stable  language, 

signifies  not  only  perfect  health  internally,   but  such  an  appear- 

ance  externally,   as  the  philosopher   would  call  unnatural,   or  at 

least  artificial :  while  the  amateur  considers  it  as  an  essential  requi. 

site  to  the  other  qualities  of  the  horse.     This  external  condition 

is  denoted  by  a  sleek,  short,  shining  coat,  with  a  degree  of  flesh 

neither  bordering  on  fatness  nor  emaciation.     Even  in  this  sense  of 

tne  -term,  condition  must  be  varied  according  to  the  uses  of  the 

aiimal.      In  the  cart  horse,  provided  there  be  a  sleekness  of  coat, 

looseness   of   hide,  sound  wind,  freedom  from  grease  or  swelled 

legs   with  good  digestion  ;  a  fulness  and  rotundity  of  bulk,  instead 

of  detracting  from  his  beauty  or  impeding  his  exertions,  will  add 

to  the  one  and  assist  the  other.     In  the  coach  horse,  the  hackney, 

the  hunter,  and  the  racer,  a  different  condition  is  expected,  varying 

in  different  degrees  from  that  of  the  cart  horse.    In  both  cart  horse 

and  racer,  it  is  equally  necessary -that  the  various  internal  organs 

sliouid  be  in  a  state  to  act  uninterruptedly  for  the  ben-sfit  of  the 

whole  ;  but  in  addition  to  this,   it  is  necessary  to  the  racer,  'Jiat 

the  greatest  possible  quantity  of  animal  fibres  should  be  condensed 

into   the  smallest   possible  bulk,  and  that  the  absorption   of   all 

tiseless  fat  and  other  interstitial  matter  should  be  promoted  by  every 

possible  means,  as  essentially  necessary  to  unite  lightness  of  body 

«vith  full  strength  and  elasticity.      It  is  in  the  attempts  to  produce 

Buch  a  state  in  its  full  perfection,  that  all  the  secrets  of  training 

eoii-^i'^t'    "nut.    whether    a  total   departure    from    natural    rules,    by 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  •  ]  99 

dnnalural  heat,  deprivation  of  light,  stimulating  food,  restraint 
from  water,  and  excessive  clothing,  are  best  calculated  to  promote 
it,  admits  of  much  doubt ;  and  it  is  to  be  observed  that  the  dawn 
of  reason  and  science  appears  to  be  shining  through  the  crevices  of 
these  darkened  casements;  for  even  at  Newmarket  the, sj^^stem  has 
lately  much  relaxed  from  its  ortificial  rigor. 

3.  To  bring  a  horse  into  condition,  not  only  should  the  purposes 
e  is  intended  for  be  taken  into  account',  but  also  his  previous 

state.  If  he  be  taken  up  from  prass  with  much  flesh  on  him,  it  i? 
evident  that  what  is  required  is  to  remove  the  soft  instertitial  mat- 
ter it  may  be  supposed  he  has  gained  by  green  food,  and  to  replace 
it  by  hard  flesh ;  and  also  to  produce  a  sleekness  of  coat  and  beauty 
of  appearance.  To  accomplish  these  ends,  the  horse  should  be 
accustomed  to  clothing  and  the  full  heat  of  the  stable  by  degrees 
only ;  and  also  by  degrees  only  to  the  meditated  change  of  food ; 
which  is  best  done  by  mashes.  In  two  or  three  days  a  mild  dose 
of  physic  may  be  given,  during  all  which  moderate  exercise  only 
should  be  allowed,  as  walking,  but  which  may  be  continued  two 
hours  at  a  time.  After  the  physic  has  set,  begin  to  dress  his  coat, 
increase  his  exercise  and  his  food,  and  accustom  him  to  an  increase 
of  warmth.  In  four  or  five  days  time  again  mash  him  for  two  days 
and  give  a  second  dose  of  pliysic,  a  little  stronger  than  the  first. 
(123)  After  this  still  further  increase  his  warmth,  his  exercise, 
and  his  food,  by  which  his  belly  will  be  taken  up,  liis  flesh  will 
harden  and  his  coat  begin  to  fall.  A  third  dose  of  physic  or  urme 
balls,  &c.  are  only  necessary  in  tlie  training  of  hunters,  &lc.  and 
even  in  these,  a  gradual  increase  of  exercise,  rather  long  continued 
ttian  violent,  with  proper  food,  will  efi'ect  the  end,  if  not  so  quickly, 
more  beneficially  to  the  animal.  To  bring  a  lean  liorse  into  condi. 
lion,  a  somewhat  different  plan  should  be  pursued.  If  from  jjrass, 
still  mash  him  for  a  day  or  two,  by  no  means  stint  him  in  his  water, 
and  with  his  mash  let  oats  be  also  soaked.  If  oats  be  speared  or 
malted,  it  will  produce  flesh  sooner.  But  even  here,  give  the  horse 
moderate  walking  exercise,  and  if  he  be  not  too  much  reduced,  add 
a  mild  dose  of  physic  to  prevent  his  heels  flying,  or  his  getting 
hide-bound  by  the  increased  food ;  but  if  great  emaciation  forbid 
the  physic,  give  him  nightly  an  alterative.  (Vet.  Pharni.  129,  No.  \.\ 
As  his  appearance  improves,  gradually  harden  his  food  and  increase 
his  exercise. 

4.  Diseased  condition  of  horses.     What  has  been   already  said 
^•"lat«'i  to  that  alteration  from  one  state  to  another,  neither  being  an 

IS* 


200  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

unhealiby  one,  which  custom  has  rendered  necessary;  thus  a  man 
in  training  for  running  or  fighting,  and  a  man  out  of  training,  are 
both  considered  equally  healthy.  Buttherifare  circumstances  that 
vroduce  a  morbid  state  of  condition  different  from  all  these.  It  is 
common  to  hear  persons  say  "  my  horse  is  sadly  out  of  condition, 
and  I  cannot  tell  either  what  is  the  matter  with  him,  or  how  to  get 
him  into  better  case."  Various  are  the  causes  that  may  produce 
this :  a  sudden  alteration  of  the  food,  or  temperature,  or  of  habits 
altogether,  may  become  a  cause.  Removing  a  horse  from  grass  to 
a  heated  stable,  full  feeding,  and  hard  exercise,  will  often  do  it: 
therefore  these  changes  should  always  be  gradual.  Bad  food,  as 
mow-burnt  hay,  musty  oats,  beans,  &c.,  likewise  mineral  waters, 
foul  air,  &lc.,  are  frequent  causes.  Diabetes,  or  profuse  staling, 
is  often  brought  on  by  these  means,  and  the  condition  of  the  horse 
becomes  greatly  reduced.  It  is  requisite,  therefore,  to  enquire 
whether  any  of  these  errors  are  in  existence,  and  to  immediately 
remove,  them :  but  it  often  happens  that  the  stomach  has  become 
relaxed  and  the  hide  become  bound ;  neither  of  which  readily 
remove,  even  though  the  original  evil  may  be  amended.  When  the 
relaxed  stomach  has  produced  lampas,  treat  the  mouth  as  described 
under  that  disease  (25,)  but  the  stomach  itself  must  be  principally 
attended  to. — First  mash  and  give  a  dose  of  physic ;  after  it  has 
sot,  commence  the  treatment,  if  the  horse  be  of  a  full  habit,  by 
moderate  bleeding  and  a  nightly  alterative.  (Vet.  Pharm.  129, 
No,  1  or  2.)  Buf  if  he  be  not  in  full,  but  in  low  flesh,  commence 
by  a  daily  tonic,  (Vet.  Pharm.  130,  No.  1  or  2,)  which  will  gradu 
ally  remove  the  swelling  within  the  mouth,  and  loosen  the  hide 
A  sudden  cold  applied  to  the  skm  often  brings  on  a  want  of  con 
dition  with  surfeit.  In  which  case,  bleeding,  with  nightly  altera, 
tive,  (Vet.  Pharm.  129,  No.  1  or  2,)  with  or  without  an  assistant 
dose  of  physic,  as  the  habits  of  the  horse  may  require,  constitute 
the  proper  treatment.  Worms  form  another  cause  of  morbid  con- 
dition  which  are  to  be  removed  as  described  (57.)  Excessive  fatigue 
is  also  productive  of  a  bad  state  of  condition,  which  often  proves 
very  obstinate.  Turning  out  to  *very  good  grass  is  the  quickest 
cure,  and  when  that  is  impracticable,  soiling  in  the  stable,  or 
feeding  with  carrots,  parsnips,  beet  root,  &c.  will  be  food  restora 
lives  ;  as  medicines  give  tonics  daily.  (Vet.  Pharm.  130,  No.  1  or  2.) 
It  will  be  only  necessary  to  add,  that  in  considering  the  state  of  a 
horse's  condition,  the  effect  is  apt  to  be  mistaken  for  the  cause,  ana 
the  symptoms  for  the  disease.  Hide-bound  and  lampas  are  not  in 
ihemselfes  any  thing  more  than  effects,  or  symptoms;  tlie  formei 
l»eiiig  commonly,  and  the  latter  always  dependent  on  a  derangetJ 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  2^)1 

state  of  tlie  stomach :  both  are  therefore  to  be  treated  accoraingly. 
Exactly  the  same  will  apply  to  all  the  other  symptoms  of  morbid 
condition. 

Injiarmnatory  Diseases  of  the  Horse. 

5.  TJie  inflammatory  diseases  of  the  horse  are  nu- 
merous, but  his  fevers  are  few :  a  febrile  state  being 
generally  brought  on  by  the  inflammation  of  some 
irnpqrtant  organ.  Inflammation  may  be  considered  as 
general  or  difl'used,  and  local  or  confined,  and  both 
seem  to  arise  from  an  affection  of  the  blood  vessels, 
and  perhaps  from  a  peculiar  state  of  the  blood  itself. 

6.  General  or  diffused  inflammation  constitutes  fe\'er 
or  extensive  inflammatory  affection,  and  appears  to 
consist  in  an  increased  action  of  the  heart  and  arte- 
ries, accompanied  w^ith  an  increase  of  heat.  In  some 
instances  where  the  fever  is  purely  symptomatic,  and 
dependent  on  the  inflammation  of  some  important 
organ,  as  the  lungs,  or  the  intestines,  the  circulation 
appears  retarded  rather  than  increased,  from  interrup- 
tion arising  to  its  passage  through  the  heart. 

7.  Local  or  confined  inflammation  is  also  dependent 
on  an  affection  of  the  blood  vessels,  but  confined  prin- 
cipally to  the  blood  vessels  of  the  part  affected.  It  is 
betokened  by  redness  in  the  skin,  tumour  or  swelling, 
heat  and  tenderness,  with  pain.  Inflammations,  both 
diffused  and  local,  are  brought  on  by  excitements,  such 
as  over  feeding,  excessive  heat,  reaction  produced  aftei 
cold,  and  the  reaction  produced  by  inordinate  exertion. 
Those  more  exterior,  arise  from  injuries,  the  apph- 
cation  of  improper  substances,  &c.  Inflammations 
terminate  in  various  ways ;  but  it  is  to  be  remarked 
that  in  consequence  of  the  veiy  large  circulatory^ 
system  of  the  horse,  liis  febrile  affections  rage  higlier 

o 


802  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

and  terminate  sooner  tnan  m  man.     The  usual  tei 
mination  of  inflammatory  affections  in  the  horse,  are 
by   resolution,  effusion,  suppuration,    and   gangrene. 
Scirrhus  is  not  at  all  a  common  termination  of  inflam- 
mation in  the  horse. 

8.     Inflammation  of  the    brain,  (phrentis)  brain  fever,  phrcnfty 
fever,  staggers,  mad  and  sleepy.     There  are  few  diseases  more 
likely  to  be  mistaken  by  inexperienced  farriers  than  this  ;  it  is  not 
to  be  wondered  at,  therefore,  if  indifferent  persons  should  be  led  into 
error  by  it.     It  appears  in  two  forms,  a  violent  frantic  one,  and  a 
sleepy  lethargic  one  ;  and  the  latter  appearance  is  also  common  to  a 
disease,  not  dependent  as  this  is,  on  idiopathic  inflammation  of  the 
biain  ;  but  on  a  paralytic  affection  of  the  stomach,  and  thence  it  is 
called  stomach  staggers.     This  latter  affection,  however,  "may  be 
distinguished  from  the  former  by  attending  to  the  colour  of  the  eye- 
lids, nose  linings,  mouth,  &.c.  which  in  stomach  staggers  are  usually 
more  yellow  than  red ;  whereas  in  sleepy  staggers,  tliey  are  more 
red  than  yellow.     Infiamination  of  the  brain  shews  itself  in  general 
cases  by  disinclination  to  food  and  motion,  drowsiness,  accompanied 
by  a  heaviness  and  closing  of  tiie  eyelids,  with  moisture  and  red- 
ness  of  them  ;    and  also   of  tlie  linings   of  the   mouth  and  nose. 
Sometimes    these    symptoms    increase,   until    the    horse    becomes 
comatose,  and  after  a  few  frightful  struggles,  sinks  to  rise  no  more, 
fa    these    cases  the    pulse  is    apt  to  be    oppressed  instead  of  in- 
creased.     But  most  frequently   after  the   first  stages   he  becomes 
furious,  plunges   about,   and  is   vicious  to  himself  and  others,  ap 
proaching  to  a  state  of  madness,  in  which  state  lie  continues  till 
he  sinks  from  his  own  exertions,  when  he  rises  again  to  renew  his 
violence. 

9.  The  cause  of  staggers  may  be  various:  the  immediate  are 
either  an  original  accumulation  of  blood  within  the  brain,  or  the 
translation  of  the  inflammation  of  some  organ  to  the  brain:  as  a 
remote  cause  is  often  brought  on  by  too  full  feeding,  without  suf 
ticient  exercise,  and  particularly  in  horses  at  one  time  working 
very  hard,  and  at  another  suffered  to  remain  inactive;  but  which 
horses,  whether  used  or  not,  are  equally  fed.  Sudden  cold,  vio- 
icace,  &-C.  may  bring  it  on. 

10  7'he  treatment  cf  staggers  should  be  begun  by  abstracting 
•  »crv  laige  Quantity  of  blood  promptly,  by  opening  botI»  jugulars, 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  203 

md  letting  the  horse  bleed  to  the  amount  of  ten  or  cvci*.  twelve 
quarts;  repeating  the  same  until  the  delirium  ceuses.  Aher  the 
first  bleeding,  back  rake,  throw  up  a  laxative  clyster,  {Vet 
Pharm.  143.)  blister  the  head,  promote  a  current  oi  free  air  in  tlie 
stable,  and  treat  altogether  as  directed  under  other  febrile  m- 
fections. 

11.  Locked  jaw,  stag-evil,  or  tetamia,  arises  from  coid,  excessiv> 
fjitigue,  sometimes  perhaps  from  worms,  but  more  often  fr<»m  a 
wound  of  some  part,  as  pricks  in  slioeing,  &c.  Such  wound  is 
seldom  in  a  recent  state  ;  but  after  two  or  three  weeks  continuance, 
sometimes  after  it  has  healed  even  :  it  follows  docking,  gelding 
and  nicking  frequently;  and  is  preceded  by  a  flabby  unhealthy 
state  of  the  wound.  It  appears  as  an  affection  of  the  brain,  which 
transmits  its  morbid  irritation,  particularly  to  tlie  nerve5>  attached 
to  muscles,  by  which  they  become  cramped,  or  may  be  considered 
as  in  a  high  state  of  action,  giving  the  horse  a  peculiar  look  of 
energy,  as  though  immediately  stopped  from  f\iil  speed  ;  with  his 
nostrils  extended,  his  head  raised,  and  his  no&o  carried  forward  ; 
his  legs  straddle  wide,  and  his  tail  is  cocked  and  quivers,  as  after 
violent  exercise.  The  jaws  will  now  be  found,  if  not  closed,  yet 
nearly  so,  when  he  is  called  jaw  set. 

12.  The  treatment  is  not  often  successful,  ^ut.  however,  it  is 
sufficiently  frequent  that  it  is  so,  to  deserve  the  utmost  attention 
Blaine  informs  us  that  enormous  bleedings  have  succeeded  ;  but 
he  places  his  principal  dependence  on  the  application  of  cold  by 
means  of  ice,  or  of  constant  dashing  with  cold  water,  with  an  active 
blister  applied  the  whole  length  of  the  spine.  Balls  of  camphor 
and  opium,  to  the  amount  of  two  drachms  each,  may  be  givew 
every  three  hours.  If  any  room  remain  in  the  mouth,  the  ball 
may  be  passed  up  by  means  of  a  stick,  or  it  may  be  given  as  a  drink 
by  means  of  a  syringe,  and  even  when  the  mouth  is  entirely 
closed,  he  informs  us  we  may  give  a  drink  by  the  nostrils.  Moor- 
croft  used  cold  also.  Fearon,  on  the  contrary,  has  experienced 
benefit  from  a  bath,  heated  to  ninety  degrees,  and  kept  at  that 
temperature  for  three  hours.  White  recommends  camphor  and 
opium  ;  Wilkinson  of  Newcastle,  has  been  very  successful  by 
keeping  up  heat  and  stimulus  over  the  skin  in  general,  by  mean.-* 
of  newly  stripped  sheep  skins  put  on  hot.  Perhaps  if  the  body 
were  previously  rubbed  with  oil  of  turi)entine  one  part,  and  common 
oil  two  parts,  it  might  assist  Wilkinson's  plan.  When  locked 
aw    arises  from    nickiusf,    it  might    be    priidetit  for  a  veterinarw 


204:  mSEASES  OF  HORSES. 

eufT^on  to  dissect  down  on  the  nerves  of  the  tail,  and  divide 
them;  and  when  from  nicking,  it  would  be  advisable  to  cut  otf 
anotlier  portion  of  the  tail,  which  practices  in  both  instances  would 
afford  a  moderate  chance  of  saving  the  animal.  It  is  necessary 
further  to  remark,  that  it  is  of  great  consequence  that  the  bowels 
be  kept  free  from  faeces,  by  raking  and  clysters.  With  regard  te 
the  latter  they  are  very  im})ortant  in  this  disease,  as  a  medium, 
f.onnnonly  Uie  only  one,  of  giving  support.  A  horse  has  been 
kept  alive  on  nourishing  clysters  alone,  for  seven  or  eight  days. 
{Vet.  Pkarin.  145.) 

13.  Catarrhal  fever,  epidemic  catarrh.,  influenza,  distemper,  cold 
morfonvdering.  c^c.  These  names  apply  to  one  common  disease 
which  often  in  rainy,  variable  seasons  appears  as  an  epidemic, 
and  affects  thousands  of  horses  at  once.  It  is  observed  to  be  par 
ticularly  prevalent  in  this  form  in  the  spring  of  some  years,  more 
than  of  others.  It  is  not  contagious  like  the  more  malignant  form, 
but  is  brought  on  as  an  epidemic  by  the  same  causes  being  applied 
to  nearly  all  subjects  alike ;  whicli  are  alterations  of  heat  with 
cold,  moisture,  and  dryness,  &c.  In  crowded  cities  and  large 
towns,  it  is  more  prevalent  than  in  more  open  situations,  and  it 
i'S  more  frequently  found^in  the  young  than  in  aged  horses.  Wnero 
ct  does  not  exist  as  an  epidemic,  it  is  brought  on  by  an  accidental 
cold  taken.  It  is  of  great  consequence  to  distinguish  it  from  pure 
Inflammation  of  the  lungs,  with  wJiich  it  is  very  apt  to  be  con- 
founded  ;  and  which  mistake  is  often  a  fatal  one,  from  the  treat- 
ment being  in  some  essential  particulars  different.  Inflammation 
of  the  lungs  commences  by  a  short  cough,  without  much  other 
disturbance  to  the  health,  than  the  pain  it  gives  the  horse  to  cough, 
but  which  is  often  so  considerable  as  to  make  him  stamp  his  feeit 
while  coughing.  If  a  horse  in  the  distemper  coughs  early,  it  is  not 
a  hollow,  harsh  sounding,  and  distressing  cough  of  this  kind — il 
he  expresses  uneasiness,  it  is  principally  from  a  sore  throat,  which 
is  very  common  in  distemper,  but  by  no  means  common  in 
pneumonia.  The  sore  throat  in  distemper  gives  the  horse  a  dis 
position  to  refuse  his  food,  or  he  chews  it  and  lets  the  quid  fall 
witnout  swallowing  it.  He  refuses  water,  particularly  if  it  be 
placed  on  the  ground ;  his  cough  is  quick,  short,  and  usually 
sounds  more  moist  than  harsh  and  dry ;  but  though  common,  this 
is  not  invariably  the  caee ;  his  eyes  are  heavy  and  moist,  his  breathing 
IS  quickened,  and  his  ears  and  legs  are  alternately  hot  and  cold 
JIjs  nose  on  looking  into  it  is  redder  tJian  usual,  and  sometime. 
t/io  gland*    as  well  submaxillary  or  jaw  glands,  as  his  prrotid  o 


DISEASES  or  HOUSES.  Si05 

rives  aro  lumciied.  On  the  second  or  third  day,  excessive  weaknesa 
comes  on  ;  the  coui^li  becomes  more  painful,  the  ])ulse  is  quick, 
sned,  and  the  nose  begins  to  run.  Ai"ter  wiiich  the  liorse  cithei 
runs  off  the  disease  by  this  suppuration,  or  it  goes  on  to  destroy 
him  by  the  height  of  tiie  fever,  and  degree  of  weakness  produced 
or  by  suftbcation  from  water  in  the  chest.  Now  and  then,  altliougb 
•ocovery  takes  place,  an  obstinate  cough  is  left ;  and  m  a  few  cases 
he  disease  terminates  in  ffliiuders. 

14.  The  treatment  may  in  some  cases  be  cut  very  short,  foi  as 
in  almost  every  instance  a  shivering  fit  begins  the  disease,  so  when 
mail}'  horses  are  in  a  stable,  and  the  disease  is  very  prevalent, 
Hiose  wiio  have  not  been  attacked  should  be  watched,  and  the 
mon)ent  such  an  attack  does  take  place,  give  of  svieet  spirit  oj 
nitre,  or  when  not  at  hand  of  spirit  of  hartshorn,  an  ounce,  in  a  pint 
of  sound  ale.  Exercise  the  horse  briskly,  then  well  hand  rub 
him,  clothe  him  warmly;  and  it  is  more  than  probable  that  the 
disease  will  be  cut  short.  But  should  it  proceed,  or  should  the 
disease  have  gone  on  unobserved  to  the  appearance  of  the  symp- 
tom detailed,  begin  by  bleeding  moderately,  if  the  horse  be  not 
already  weak;  or  if  there  have  not  appeared  the  running  of  matter 
from  the  nose.  If  there  have,  the  bleeding  had  better  be  dispensed 
with,  unless  the  fever  appeir,  from  the  quick  full  pulse  and  red- 
ness  of  the  inner  surface  of  the  nostrils  and  eyelids,  to  be  still 
so  considerable  as  to  require  it ;  in  which  case  we  must  not  be  / 
deterred  from  one  moderate  bleeding ;  and  which,  if  the  febrile 
symptoms  do  not  abate,  may  be  even  repeated.  It  will,  however, 
in  general  cases,  be  advisable  to  avoid  bleeding  after  the  second 
day  of  the  attack,  or  after  the  running  has  appeared  from  the  nose, 
or  after  considerable  weakness  has  come  on.  In  all  cases  a  very 
cool  temperature  is  essentially  requisite ;  hot  stables,  or  hot  clothing 
are  very  pernicious,  but  particularly  the  former.  A  hood  is  not 
improper  over  the  head,  because  it  encourages  the  running  to 
make  an  early  aj)pearance ;  and  for  this  reason  a  warm  mash  may 
advantageously  be  hung  roujid  tlie  neck  three  or  four  times  a 
day.  Before  the  running  conunences,  give  night  and  morning, 
♦he  fever  powder  (Vet.  Pharin.  157,  No.  1  or  2.)  in  a  mash  oj 
drink;  after  the  running  has  come  on,  or  as  soon  as  the  weakness 
has  become  considerable,  give  night  and  morning  either  of  the 
fever  drinks  {Vet.  Pharm.  158,  No.  3  or  4.)  Malt  mashes,  when 
the  weakness  is  great,  are  proper;  at  other  times,  bran  mashes 
with  plenty  of  chilled  water  are  best.  To  relieve  the  throat,  ruti 
♦he  outside  with  mild  liquid  plaster,  {Vet.  Pharm.  i42,)  and  -f  the 
aeather  be  warm  enough  to  nllow  it,  two  or  three  hours  taininf 


20G  DISEASES  OF  HORSES, 

oat  in  a  field  each  day  is  proper.     Green  meat  in  the  stable,  wtien 
it  can  be  procured,  should  likewise  be  given. 

15.  Malignant  epidemic,  murrain,  or  pest.  Now  and  then  the  dis- 
temper  or  influenza  assumes  a  character  of  uncommon  malignance, 
which  is  happily  not  frequent  here,  but  not  unfrequent  in  couti. 
nental  countries,  sweeping  off  a  third  of  the  horses  and  kine, 
without  any  means  being  found  sufficient  to  arrest  its  progress. 
In  these  cases  it  is  found  highly  contagious,  attacking  almost  all 
the  horses  as  well  as  cattle  within  its  sphere  of  action,  or  which 
communicate  with  each  other.  Dr.  Layard,  and  Osmer,  English 
writers  of  established  reputation,  noticed  the  appearances  of  this 
disease  long  ago  ;  and  their  descriptions  are  not  different  from  the 
milder  kind  noticed  (13)  but  in  degree.  The  throat  is  intpnsely 
sore,  and  the  moutli  ulcerated ;  the  glands  of  the  head  swell,  and 
sometimes  these  and  other  parts  suppurate  and  burst.  The  jnatter 
from  the  nose  is  bloody,  and  the  stench  intolerable ;  the  weakness 
IS  also  peculiarly  great,  and  shows  itself  early. 

16.  The  treatment  recommended  by  Blaine  is  tlie  early  use  of 
malt  mashes  ;  even  ale  is  indispensable.  Green  meat  should  be 
allowed,  and  a  very  cool  stall  is  necessary,  having  a  free  comma- 
nication  with  the  open  air.  As  medicine,  three  doses  are  necessary, 
every  day,  of  the  malignant  epidemic  fever  drink,  (Vet.  Ph.  16U.J 
half  a  pint  of  yeast  with  a  phit  of  ale  has  been  given,  witii  good 
effect,  three  times  a  day  ;  also,  to  prevent  the  infection  from  spread, 
ing,  fumigate  tlie  stables  and  all  the  outhouses  with  the  preventive 
fumigation.  {Vet.  Ph.  161.) 

Diseases  of  the  Head. 

17.  Epilepsy,  megrims,  sturdy,  or  turnsick,  are  epileptic  attacks 
of  greater  or  less  violence,  and  which  are  apt  to  be  confounded 
with  the  accidental  strangulation  that  sometimes  takes  place  from 
It  collar  too  tight,  or  from  driving  a  horse  hard  up  hill,  &-c.  The 
L-pileptic  fit  makes  its  appearance  by  a  sudden  stop  ;  if  the  horsjs 
be  in  acuon  he  shakes  his  head,  looks  wild  and  irresolute,  but  after 
jorne  time  proceeds;  when  more  violent,  he  suddenly  falls  down, 
is  convulsed,  dungs  and  stales  insensibly,  and  remains  some  time 
before  he  recovers.  This  disease,  like  staggers,  is  generally  the 
consequence  of  two  full  a  habit;  and  is,  therefore,  best  relieved  by 
bleeding,  and  a  more  moderate  diet;  and,  where  it  is  convenient, 
«  run  at  grass  should  be  allowed  to  alter  the  habit. 

18  The  diseases  of  the  horse^s  eyes  are  not  numerous,  but  they 
arc  very  destructive.  The  principal  are  opthalmia  and  ^utta 
»erenh 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  207 

19.   The  opthalmia,  lunatic,  or  woon-hlindness,  is  a  very  peculiar 
disease  among  horses,  affecting  their  eyes  generally  about  thf^ir 
full  growth,  but  sometimes  later,   and  seldom  earlier.     It  is  but 
.ittle   known  among  mules  and  asses,  and  unknown  in  oxen  and 
sheep.     It  does  not,  however,   appear  to  be  a  disease  natural  to 
the  horse,  as  wild,  or  even  horses  subjected  to  artificial  restraints 
are  not  observed  subject  to  it.     But  among  others,  it  is  become  sc 
common  as  to  have  the  tendency  handed  down  in  the  breed;  tho 
progeny  of  some  stallions  being  more  prone  to  it  than  others. — 
It  i<6  often  very  sudden   in   its  attack,   the  eyelids  being  found 
swelled  and  almost  closed  to  avoid  the  light ;  they  are  also  very 
red  within,  and  the  haw  is  half  drawn  over  the  surface  ;  the  tears 
(low  down  the  face  perpetually,  and  the  whole  head  is  hot ;  now  and 
then  these  appearances  come  on  gradually.     The  suddenness  of  the 
attack  makes  the  complaint  to  be  attributed  to  accident,  as  blows, 
nay  seeds  within  the  eye,  &c.  and  it  is  frequently  difficult  to  get 
che  owner  of  such  a  horse  to  believe  that  a  constitutional  attack, 
as  it  usually  is,  can  come  on  so  suddenly.     Sometimes  as  itcomes 
on,  so  it  goes  off  as  quickly,  the  eye  from  being  opaque  and  milky, 
m  twenty  four  hours  becoming  clear  and  almost  well.     When  such 
m  attack  has  taken  place,  even  if  nothing  be  done,  the  horse 
■sooner  or  later  amends,  and  the  eye  or  eyes,  for  it  is  sometimes 
one  and  sometimes  both  that  are  so  attacked,  become  again  clear 
j,nd  well,  and  remain  so  an  indefinite  period,  from  five  or  six  weeks 
io  as  many  months.     Another  attack,  however,  sooner  or  later 
follows,  to  which  others  succeed,  each  leaving  increased  milkiness 
on  the  outer  coats,  and  some  dimness  within  the  pupil,  either  speck- 
like or  diffused  ;  and  finally  the  horse  becomes  blind  from  cataract. 
When  one  eye  goes  blind  totally  before  the  other,  it   is  often  a 
means  of  preventing  the  future   attack  on  the  remaining  one ; 
which  has  given  rise  to  a  custom  of  putting  out  one  eye  to  save 
the  other,  and  which  has  succeeded.     As  this  is  a  constitutional 
disease,  brought  on  by  artificial   habits,   as   over  exertion,  close 
unhealthy  confinement,  and  heating  food  ;  so  it  is  clear  the  abstrac- 
tion of  all  these  are  necessary  to  remove  the  complaint,  aud  to 
prevent  a  recurrence ;  but  particularly  the  close,  dark,  and  unven 
tilated  state  of  the  stable  should  be  attended  to,  as  well  as  tRo 
removal  of  the  litter,  which  retains  the  volatile  alkali  of  the  urine, 
and  irritates  the  eyes  most  injuriously.     The  food  should  be  mild 
and  cooling,  and  the  exercise  moderate  but  long  continued.    Under 
the  height  of  the  attack,  however,  rest  is  advisable,  with  moderate 
light,  wbL-'h  may  be  still  further  moderated  by  keeping   over  the 
eye  or  eyes  a  thick  cloth,  wet  with  goulard  water.  (Vet.  Ph.  154.) 
Sometimes  one  quarter  of  vinegar  to  three  quarters  of  water  ha» 
19 


SOS  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

been  found  a  useful  application,  and  which  ever  is  used,  the  eyes 
and  eyebrows  should  be  kept  continually  wet  with  it,  which  i»y 
exciting  evaporation  will  keep  the  part  cool.  A  seton  may  he 
introduced  under  the  eye  or  jaw.  In  some  cases,  blistering  the 
forehead  or  cheek  is  found  useful;  but  in  every  instance  bleeding 
\h  proper,  which  should  be  repealed  until  the  disease  lessens 
When  the  horse  is  very  full  and  gross,^  physic  and  alteratives  assist 
the  cure.  When  blistering  is  used  in  any  part  near  tlie  eye,  the 
jDireatest  care  is  requisite  to  prevent  the  blistering  matter  from  being 
rubbed  into  it. 

20.  Gutta  Serena  or  glass  eyes,  so  called  from  the  peculiar 
glassy  appearance  of  the  eye,  arise  from  a  paralysis  of  tlie  optic 
nerve.  As  the  eye  is  not  materially  altered  in  appearance,  a  horse 
often  becomes  blind  without  its  being  noticed,  until  his  cautious 
stepping,  quick  motion  of  his  ears,  &-c.  give  notice  of  the  case. — 
On  examination  it  will  be  found  that  the  pupil  remains  dilated, 
however  great  the  light,  and  the  eye  is  irrecoverably  lost.  In  tha 
very  early  stages,  blisters  to  the  forehead  and  stimulants  to  the 
eyes,  (as  white  vitriol  a  drachm,  water  four  ounces,)  may  be  tried, 
but  with  faint  hopes  of  success. 

21.  Poll-evil.  This  complaint  commonly  requires  the  attend- 
ance of  an  experienced  practitioner — but  the  prevention  is  often  in 
/-he  power  of  owners  and  others  about  horses,  and  to  this  point 
we  shall  particularly  direct  their  attention.  Poll-evil  is  commonly 
the  effect  of  accident.  Repeated  small  blows  of  the  titanger,  or 
continued  pressure  from  hanging  back  on  the  halter,  &  c.  will,  if 
not  remedied,  produce  swelling  at  the  nape  of  the  neck,  with 
some  tenderness.  In  this  early  state,  if  the  collar  be  removed 
and  the  part  be  kept  continually  wet  with  vinegar  and  water,  the 
swelling  will  often  disperse — but  if,  in  spite  of  this,  it  proceeds 
to  suppuration,  let  a  vent  be  made  for  the  matter  by  a  seton  [11 61 
so  that  it  rnay  readily  flow  out.  Introduce  nothing  healing,  but 
Rncuuragt  a  free  discharge,  and  it  may  heal  at  once.  When  such 
IS  not  the  issue,  the  disease  attacks  the  ligaments  ;  sinuses  form 
and  the  matter  burrows  under  the  skin  and  muscles,  whei?  » 
»eton  must  be  introduced  from  the  opening  above  and  should  bo 
oronght  out  at  the  bottom  ;  the  seton  should  be  then  daily  wetted 
with  the  liquid  blister.  {Vet.  Pharm.  141.)  Shculd  this  plan  fail, 
escharotics  will  be  required  in  the  form  of  scalding  mixture.  (Vet 
Pharm.  165.) 

22.  Sti  angles,  vives  or  hies.     Tbis  disease  has  been  likened  to 
'(ic   human   measles,  because   it  usually  attacks  every  horse,  antj 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  209 

most  of  them  at  a  young  period,  between  three  and  five  years  ;  it 
IS  fortunate  when  it  attacks  colts  at  grass,  as  it  seldom  occasions 
inconvenience,  and  v;hich  has  led  some  persons  into  error  by 
turning  their  iiorses  out  as  soon  as  attacked ;  but  it  is  not  found 
that  stabled  horses,  thus  turned  out,  pass  through  the  disease  mort; 
mildly,  but  the  contrary,  except  the  disease  exists  under  its  mildest 
form.  White  has  conjectured  that  colts  breeding  the  strangles 
vhile  at  grass,  are  afterwards  exempt  from  glanders,  but  this  wants 
confirmation.  Prosser  has  also  affirmed,  that  inoculation  by  the 
matter  of  ^^trangles,  is  good,  because  it  mitigates  the  complaint,  and 
renders  the  horse  not  liable  to  any  future  attack ;  but  the  practice 
has  never  gained  ground  :  when  strangles  occurs  in  the  stable,  and 
now  and  then  in  the  field,  it  proves  a  severe  disease,  and  shows 
itself  under  the  appearance  of  a  cold,  with  cough,  sore  throat,  and 
swelling  of  the  glands  under  the  jaw,  or  behind  and  under  the  ears. 
Seme  times  there_  is  not  much  external  swelling,  and  the  tumours 
oreak  inwardly,  and  nature  effects  a  cure  ;  at  others  they  break 
outwardly,  and  the  disease  runs  ofi'  that  way,  and  some  times  the 
swellings  disperse  either  by  nature  or  art,  which  breeders  think 
unfavourable,  as  they  suppose  it  renders  the  animal  liable  to  a  future 
attack  ;  but  many  so  treated,  pass  the  remainder  of  their  lives 
tvithout  more  affection. 

23.  The  treatment  of  Strangles.  When  the  swelling  lingers, 
and  neither  comes  forward  or  recedes,  poultices  are  prelerable  to 
fomentations,  which,  by  leaving  the  horse  wet,  promote  evapora 
tion  and  produce  cold.  Peal  recommends  blistering  the  part,  as 
t\:o  best  means  of  promoting  suppuration.  The  horse  should  be 
kept  very  cool,  and  bran  mashes  with  warm  water  should  be  his 
principal  support,  unless  the  complaint  lasts  long,  and  produces 
much  weakness,  when  malt  mashes  should  be  substituted  ;  bleeding 
is  only  advisable  when  the  early  symptoms  are  violent,  as  heaving 
at  the  flanks,  extreme  soreness  of  throat,  with  nmch  swelling  around 
it,  and  considerable  cough,  in  which  case  bleeding,  and  fever  medi 
cines  are  proper. 

24.  Vives,  or  ivcs,  is  supposed  to  be  a  relic  of  the  latter  com 
plaint,  dnd  it  does  appear  now  and  then  that  after  tue  strangles,  tho 
parotid  or  vive  glands  do  remain  enlarged  [24,]  which  occasions  tho 
disease  in  question,  resolution  may  be  attempted  by  mercurial  fiic- 
tions,  suppuration  should  be  avoided,  otherwise  the  gland  may  be 
destroyed 

25.  Diseases  of  the  mouth,  la7npass.  All  horses,  but  particularly 
<erv  young  ones,  are  liable  to  enlar^'ement  of  the  rugfo  or  r  de"ew 


310  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

of  the  falate,  ile]»endent  not  on  any  local  disease  confined  to  tn« 
part  itself,  but  occasionally  by  an  affection  of  the  whole  passage  o 
the  niLUth,  throat,  and  stomach.  It  is  usual  to  attend  to  the  pai 
only,  which  is  sacrificed  or  burnt  to  little  purpose,  when  a  mild  dose 
of  physic,  or  gentle  alteratives,  would  prove  more  certain  expedi- 
ents ;  to  which  may  be  added  rubbing  the  part  with  bay  salt,  dj 
with  vinegar. 

26.  Bridle  sores.  When  the  bit  in  colt  breaking,  or  in  hard 
pulling  horses,  has  hurt  the  bars,  care  is  requisite  to  prevent  the 
bone  becoming  carious.  Touch  daily  with  aggyptiacum,  and  cover 
the  bit  with  leather,  unless  total  rest  can  be  allowed. 

27.  The  teeth,  which  present  themselves  on  the  lower  parts  of 
the  jaws,  are  the  incisive  and  canine.  The  two  front  incisives  are 
properly  called  nippers  or  gatherers.  The  two  next  adjoining 
separators  or  middle  teeth,  and  the  outer,  the  corners ;  but  it 
would  be  more  indefinite  to  say  the  first,  second,  and  third  inci- 
sives, beginning  at  the  corner.  Tusks  or  tushes  occupy  a  part  of 
the  intermediate  space  between  the  incisive  and  grinding  teeth. — 
The  teeth,  as  criteria  of  age,  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  Mason, 
(page  72.) 

The  teeth  of  the  horse  are  the  hardest  and  most  compact  bones 
of  the  body.  There  are  usually  .forty  of  them  in  the  horse,  and 
there  are  thirty-six  in  the  mare ;  in  which  latter,  tlie  tushes  are 
usually  wanting.  In  anatomical  language,  they  are  divided  into 
incisores,  cuspidati,  and  molares,  or  according  to  the  language  of 
farriers  and  horsemen,  into  twelve  nippers,  four  tushes,  and  twenty- 
four  grinders,  which  numbers  are  equally  divided  between  the  two 
jaws.  The  teeth  are  received  into  indentations  or  sockets  between 
the  bony  plates  of  the  jaw,  called  alveoli,  by  cone-like  roots.  The 
bodies  of  the  teeth  are  principally  composed  of  two  substances, 
one  of  the  nature  of  common  bone,  giving  bulk  and  form,  and  one 
of  extreme  hardness,  placed  in  man  and  carnivorous  animals  wholly 
without  the  teeth  to  give  strength  and  durability  :  but  the  horse  and 
other  granivrocE,  the  latter  particularly,  is  placed  in  the  grinders, 
m  perpendicular  plates,  within  the  body  of  the  teeth  ;  by  which 
contrivance,  a  rough  grinding  surface  is  kept  up  ;  for  the  mere 
lony  parts  wearing  faster  than  the  lamella:  of  enamel,  it  follows 
-hat  ridges  remain  to  triturate  the  vegetable  matter  that  passes  be 
-ween  the  leeth. 

There  are  two  sets  of  teeth,  a  temporaneons  or  milk  set,  and  a 
>ermanent  or  adult  set,  in  which  wise  orovision,  man  and  most 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  211 

Di  ites  participate..  The  miik  set  are  some  of  them,  as  the  molars, 
a|>j»arent  at  birth ;  there  being  usually  six  grinders  in  each  jaw, 
thi  e  on  each  side  in  the  new  born  foal,  and  which  number  of  thijj 
set  II,  never  increased.  The  nippers  begin  to  appear  soon  after 
birtk,  and  follow  a  regular  order  of  succession,  until  the  animal  is 
three  -or  four  months  old  ;  at  which  time  he  begins  to  require 
suppot-t  from  herbage  as  well  as  milk.  The  temporaneous  set  re- 
tiove  g.ddually  one  after  another  ;  had  they  all  been  displaced  at 
•lie  sam*.  time,  or  even  had  several  of  them  fallen  out  together,  the 
mimai  rririst  have  suffered  great  inconvenience,  and  perhaps  have 
jeen  starv«»d.  This  removal,  which  commences  at  the  age  of  two 
/ears  and  «  half,  and  is  completed  between  the  fourth  and  fifth 
/ear,  is  effected  by  the  action  of  the  absorbents  on  their  fangs,  and 
Appears  to  W  occasioned  by  the. stimulus  of  the  pressure  received 
from  the  growing  teeth  under  them.  For  although  these  two  sets 
appear  with  an  interval  of  some  years  between  them  ;  yet  the  rudi- 
ments of  both  -«re  formed  at  nearly  the  same  period,  and  both  seta 
may  be  thus  st.*n  in  a  dissected  jaw.  Regulated  by  the  stimiilus 
of  necessity,  a^  soon  as  the  temporaneous  set  falls  out,  the  perma- 
nent  appears :  und  that  such  appearance  follows  the  necessity,  is 
evident ;  for  a  preinature  or  accidental  removal  of  the  colts'  teeth 
is  soon  followed  by  the  appearance  of  the  others.  Dealers  and 
breeders  aware  of  this,  draw  the  milk  teeth  to  make  their  colts 
appear  as  horses.  It  was  necessary  there  should  be  two  sets  of 
teeth,  for  as  they  grow  slowly  in  proportion  to  the  jaws,  so  haa 
there  been  but  one  only,  the  disproportion  of  growth  between  tho 
teeth  and  jaws  must  have  separated  thein. 

The  forvis  of  the  teeth  vary  more  than  their  structure.     The  inci 
sive  or  nippers- are  round,  which  is  favourable  for  the  pressure  they 
undergo  ;  the  upper  more  so  than  the  lower.     On  the  upper  surface 
a  hollow  is  seen  in  the  young  tooth,  which,  not  extending  through 
the  whole  substance,  naturally  wears  out  with  the  wear  of  the  tooth  ; 
md  as  a  considerable  degree  of  regularity  occurs  in  this  wearing 
4  ivay  in  all  horses,  it  has  gradually  settled  into  the  general  criterion 
>f  age.     The  nippers  are  not  all  of  them  exactly  similar ;  the  corner 
eeth  differ  most  in   being  exactly  triangular,  and  in  having  an 
nterval  wall  or  side,  which  does  not  become  level  with  the  rest  uniil 
.ong  after  the  others.   The  cuspidate  tusks  or  tushes  are  permanent, 
appearing  at  about  five  years,  or  rather  earlier ;  those  in  the  front 
faw  are  usually  nearer  the  nippers  than  those  below.     Each  pre- 
sents a  slight  curve,  which  follows  the  direction  of  all  the  canine 
or  pugnatory  teeth  of  other  mammalia.     The  pointed  extremit;y 
wears  away  by  age,  leaving  merely  a  buttoned  piocess,  which  ma> 
19* 


'ir<?  DISEASES  OF  HOUSES. 

<erve  as  a  guide  to  the  age,  when  the  horSo  x^  oU^ipbxsuid  to  ba 
Mshoped,  as  it  is  called,  from  a  man  of  that  naiiic  vnu  v,  as  peculiarly 
-loxteroiis  in  imitating  on  old  teeth  the  disdnctive  Co.vity  of  youth 
'I'lie  Hiolar  or  grinding  teeth  are  stronger  in  ttie  ui)per  than  in  tli^i 
lower  jaw  ;  which  was  necessary,  as  th<;y  lorni  the  lixed  point  in 
the  process  of  grinding.  The  upper  suiface  presents  nearly  a  Icna 
square,  indented  from  the  alteration  of  the  enamel  with  the  hony 
portions;  and  as  the  interior  or  upper  teeth  hang  over  the  posterior, 
so  the  ridges  of  the-one  set  are  received  into  the  depressions  of  the 
other. 

IFenr  of  the  teelh.  Tlie  teeth,  in  a  state  of  nature,  would  probahlv 
present  a  surface  opposed  to  each  other  for  mastication  to  the  latest 
period  of  the  most  practised  life.;  Dut  the  removal  of  the  animal 
trom  riioist  food  to  that  which  is  hard  and  dry,  must  occasion  an 
unnatural  wear  in  those  organs  ;  and  hence,  although  the  teeth  of 
tiie  horse,  even  in  a  domesticated  state,  are  not  subject  to  the  caries 
of  the  human  ;  yet- the  grinders  are  liable  to  become  thus  injured 
by  continued  exertion.  In  the  young  or  adult  horse,  the  upper  and 
under  grinders  do  not  meet  each  other  horizontally;  on  the  con- 
trary, they  have  naturally  an  inclination  obliquely  inwards,  and 
those  of  the  upper  jaw  present  small  spaces  between  each  other, 
while  those  of  the  lower  are  more  continuous  i  by  which  means  as 
!  he  food,  but  particularly  as  interrupted  portions,  as  grain,  become 
ground,  they  fall  into  the  mouth  to  be  replaced  under  the  grinding 
surface,  if  necessary,  by  the  joint  action  of  the  tongue  and  muscles 
oi'the  cheek.  This  arrangement  becomes  in  a  great  measure  frus- 
trated  in  old  horses,  by  the  superior  wear  of  the  inner  surface  of 
the  upper  grinders,  as  well  as  by  the  general  misapplication  of  the 
surfaces  of  both  upper  and  under  teeth,  by  constant  attrition  when 
worn  down  to  the  gums  nearly.  The  unfortunate  animal  feels 
sensible  of  this,  and  endeavours  to  remedy  it  by  throwing  the  wear 
on  the  outer  edge,  by  an  inclination  of  the  lower  jaw  and  of  the 
head  in  general ;  and  which  is  so  particular  in  its  appearance  as  to 
engage  the  attention  of  the  by-standers.  This  defect  may  be  in  a 
considerable  degree  remedied  by  casting  the  animal,  and  having 
opened  and  wedged  the  mouth  so  as  to  keep  it  so,  with  a  well  tern, 
nered  concave  file  to  remove  the  inequality  as  much  as  may  be. 
When  the  defect  is  considerable,  and  the  horse  is  mild  and  quiet,  it 
is  better  to  file  the  inequalities  every  day,  which  will  gradually  but 
fctfoctually  wear  them  down.  It  however  happens,  that  the  inclina- 
tjon  tlms  to  wear  is  commonly  resumed,  and  gradually  the  same 
Inss  of  nutriment  takes  place  ;  in  which  case,  soft  moist  food,  aa 
cairots,  masUfco,  soiling,  or  grazing,  must  be  substituted  /&/  liardoi 


DISEASES  OF  HOUSES.  2  I  .*< 

Bubrtances,  and  if  corn  be  actually  necessary,  let  it  be  bnnse.i 
Whenever  an  old  horse  betrays  symptoms  of  want  of  condition,  o. 
weakness  and  emaciation,  that  neither  his  mode  of  feeding  nor  hia 
ratio  of  work  will  account  for,  and  particularly  if  whole  grains 
should  be  found  in  his  dung,  liis  teeth  should  be  examined  care- 
fully.  This  undue  wearing  of  the  teeth  occasions  another  evil  often, 
which  is  ulceration  of  the  cheeks,  by  reason  of  the  projecting  ragged 
surface  of  the  uneven  teeth,  which  can  only  be  remedied  by  the 
removal  of  such  portions.  These  projecting  portions  are  called  b) 
farriers,  wolve's  teeth. 

Diseases  of  the  Neck, 

28.  Fistulous  withers  are  brought  on  usually  by  pressure  frpm  u 
saddle  with  too  low  or  narrow  a  tree,  and  what  has  been  said  both 
with  regard  to  prevention  and  cure  on  the  subject  of  poll-evil,  ap- 
plies  here  also.   (116.) 

29.  Sore  throat  is  common  to  horses  in  colds,  in  influenzas,  and 
In  strangles.  (13,  22.)  In  every  case,  the  horse  finds  great  difficulty 
in  reaching  every  thing  that  stretches  his  neck  downwards  or  up- 
wards,  his  water  therefore  should  be  held  to  him,  and  his  hay  should 
be  pulled  for  him ;  omission  of  these  services  greatly  aggravates 
the  sufFerinsrs  of  horses  labouring  under  sore  throat. 

30.  Sv)eJled  Neck.  A  very  serious  swelling  sometnnes  follows 
on  bleeding  with  a  rusty  or  poisoned  lancet,  or  fleam,  a'?d  some- 
times  from  causes  not  apparent.  (126.) 

The  ChesL 

31.  lujiammation  of  the  lungs,  is  a  disease  to  which 
the  horse  is  pecuHariy  hable,  as  we  might  a  prion 
suspect,  from  the  vast  dimensions  of  his  circulatory 
system,  and  the  vast  alteration  from  a  natural  state  to 
which  we  subject  him,  and  thereby  increase  his  pul- 
monary circulation. 

32.  The  causes  are  these  deviations  remcV--'y,  but  the  iinniec  ar.o 
attack  is  generally  brought  on  by  sudden  cold,  acting  on  a  heated 
surface,  and  thus  it  is  that  knackers,  and  collar  makers  in  frosty 
weather  expect  a  glut  of  horses  that  die  from  this  disease.  Hard 
ridino-  is  a  very  common  cause,  and  high  feeding  also  ;  it  often 
commences  slowly  ;  a  hard  dry  cough  has  been  slightly  noticea,  bu* 


214  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

occasioning  no  alarm  for  two  or  three  days ;  gradually,  however 
Llie  cough  appears  to  give  the  horse  pain ;  he  occasionally  shivers 
and  his  ears  and  feet  feel  colder  tlian  the  rest  of  his  hody,  he  heaves 
at  llie  flanks,  and  the  lining  of  his  nose  is  inflamed,  and  his  eyelids 
also ;  the  appetite  now  becomes  affected  and  although  there  is  not 
much  apparent  pain,  except  when  the  horse  coughs ;  yet  there  is 
much  anxiety  of  countenance  present.  The  pulse  is  usually  small, 
but  quick ;  if  in  this  state  the  horse  be  taken  out  and  exercised 
quickly,  it  is  almost  always  fatal  to  him  ;  it  likewise  happens  that 
ihis  complaint  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  distemper,  and  from  a  fear 
of  profuse  bleeding,  the  only  remedy  that  is  to  be  depended  on,  is 
omitted,  and  the  horse  is  lost.  At  the  veterinary  college,  in  these 
cases,  a  small  dose  of  aloes  is  given  every  six  hours,  and  after  being 
bled  and  rowelled,  the  horse  is  turned  out  in  the  open  air ;  and  it 
is  afHnned  that  many  recover  from  this  treatment.  Certain  it  is, 
diat  the  stable  in  which  a  horse  is  placed  in  this  disease  can  hardly 
be  too  cool ;  but  when  entirely  turned  out,  his  feet  and  legs  cannot 
conveniently  be  hand-rubbed,  or  bandaged  up  to  promote  circula. 
tion ;  neither  can  we  blister  a  horse  when  turned  out,  so  conve- 
niently ;  and  on  blistering  we  depend  as  the  second  source  of  cure 

33.  The  treatment  is  to  be  commenced  by  attempts  at  lessening 
the  action  of  the  arterial  system  l)y  early  and  large  bleedings,  as 
seven  or  eight  quarts  from  a  large  horse,  and  which  should  be  re- 
peated in  five  or  six  hours  if  he  be  not  relieved  in  his  breathing. 
Immediately  rub  into  the  brisket,  on  the  chest,  and  behind  the  fore 
legs,  the  blister.  {Vet.  Pha.  138,  No.  1.)  Give  lialf  a  dose  of  physic, 
and  assist  it  by  mashes  and  warm  water,  wliich  if  not  readily  taken, 
horn  down.  Back-rake  also,  and  throw  up  the  laxative  clyster. 
{Vet.  Pha.  143.)  Avoid  all  exercise,  clothe  moderately,  allow  a  free 
circulation  of  cool  air  through  the  stable,  and  rub  the  legs  frequently, 
and  when  not  under  this  process,  keep  them  bandaged  up  to  the 
knees,  with  hay  bands,  or  woollen  cloths.  The  terminations  of 
this  complaint  are  various.  It  is  not  uncommon  for  the  horse  to 
appear  better,  to  eat  and  to  drink,  and  to  excite  every  hope  of  a 
perfect  recovery  ;  but  on  som«  sudden  exertion  he  falls  down  and 
expires.  On  examination  after  death,  it  is  found  that  effusion  of  a 
I'lrge  quantity  of  serous  fluid  has  taken  place  in  the  chest. 

• 

34  Thick  wind  is  another  termination  of  pneutnonia  ly  leaving 
Vbe  bronchial  passages  charged  with  coagulated  blood.  Moderate 
?xercise  and  soiling  in  the  stable  with  mild  mercurial  physic,  form 
the  best  modes  of  treatment,  but  it  frequently  happens  thut  the 
:'ougn  resists  all  these   and  terminates  in  broken  wind. 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  215 

35.  Roaring  is  also  a  termination  of  pneumonia,  in  which  cn^o 
the  lungs  are  not  affected,  but  congealed  blood,  under  the  name  «v 
coagulable  lymph,  remains  in  the  trachea  or  windpipe,  and  obstructs 
the  free  passage  of  the  air  ;  by  means  of  which  tlie  roaring  noise  i? 
made.  It  is  in  vain  to  expect  a  cure :  blistering  the  tliroat  some, 
times  slightly  relieves  it. 

36.  Chronic  cough  is  also  a  termination  of  pneumonia,  and  ap 
pears  dependent  on  a  peculiar  irritability  the  disease  leaves  in  tho 
bronchial  passages,  which  are  found  afterwards  incapable  of  bearing 
.•my  sudden  alteration  of  temperature  ;  thus  horses  with  tliis  kmd  of 
cough  are  excited  to  it  as  soon  as  the  stable  door  opens,  and  by 
every  exertion,  by  drinking,  by  eating,  and  in  fact  by  any  thing 
tliat  alters  the  situation  of  the  body,  or  is  new  to  the  part.  But 
besides  pneumonia  or  inflammation  of  the  lungs  producing  it,  it  is 
often  brought  on  likewise  by  gross  feeding,  whibh,  weakening  the 
stomach,  impoverishes  the  blood,  and  thus  injures  the  lungs  which 
are  fed  by  that  blood.  Worms  also  by  the  same  means  are  a  cause 
t)f  chronic  cough.  It  is  thus  that  we  expect  to  derive  benefit  by 
mediums  acting  on  the  stomach.  Green  food  is  often  found  useful, 
Ijut  particularly  carrots.  The  hay  should  be  excellent  in  quality 
and  small  in  quantity  ;  and  it  will  be  found  that  soiling  in  the 
stable,  but  particularly  a  course  of  carrots,  forms  a  better  plan  ol 
treatment  than  turning  out.  If  worms  be  suspected,  treat  as  under 
that  head.  [.57.]  FormuliB  of  chronic  cough  balls  are  seen  in  tho 
Vet.  Pharm.  [148.] 

37.  Broken  wind  is  also  sometimes  hrought  on  by  pneumonia,  and 
sometimes  by  ocf'ult  causes.  It  is  often  occasioned  by  over  exer- 
tion after  full  meals,  in  which  the  lungs  become  permanently 
weakened,  perhaps  ruptured  in  their  air  cells.  Inexperienced  per- 
sons  find  some  difficulty  in  detecting  broken  wind  from  other  chesi 
affections,  as  chronic  cough,  occasional  colds,  &-c.  &c. 

38.  Criteria  of  broken  wind.  The  cough  which  accompanies 
broken  wind,  is  a  short,  deep,  hollow,  grunting  noise,  and  the  shorl 
grunting  expiration  is  peculiarly  excited  by  turning  a  horse  quickly 
round,  striking  liim  smartly  with  a  stick  at  the  same  time,  which 
jften  produces  a  deep  sound  without  the  cough ;  and  which  is  sc 
significant  as  never  to  be  mistaken  when  once  heard  and  attended 
to.  but  the  principal  peculiarity  arises  from  the  beating  of  ihe 
flanks,  which  operate  rather  by  three  efforts  than  two  as  usual 
In  the  first,  the  air  is  drav/n  in,  in  the  usual  manner,  and  the  flanki* 
fill  up  as  in  common  ;  but  in  the  next,  the  falilrg  of  the  flanks  tj» 


ilO  DISEASES  OF  HORSEsf. 

by  no  means  natural,  for  it  is  not  done  by  a  gradual  sinking  of  the 
?i(les,  but  it  takes  place  at  once,  with  a  kind  of  a  jerk,  as  thougn 
the  norse  were  sighing ;  and  then  a  third  effort  takes  place  by  a 
more  slow  drawing  up  of  the  muscles  of  the  belly  and  flanks,  ti 
press  out  the  remaining  air.  Broken  wind  destroys  the  fecundity 
of  the  mare,  and  hence  argues  permanent  altera'tion  of  structure  ;  it 
is  also  always  incurable,  but  horses  may  be  rendered  very  useful 
that  have  it,  by  feeding  them  very  nutritiously,  but  with  food  much 
condensed  in  bulk.  Little  hay  should  be  allowed,  and  that  little 
should  be  wet ;  water  in  any  other  way  should  be  given  but  spa- 
ringly, for  which  they  are  however  very  greedy ;  from  which  circum- 
stance,  as  well  as  tliat  they  are  peculiarly  flatulent,  we  learn,  that 
the  vitiation  of  the  lungs  is  either  aggravated  by  the  deranged  state 
of  the  digestive  organs ;  or,  which  is  more  probable,  that  the  diges- 
live  powers  become  weakened  from  the  state  of  the  lungs. 

.39.  Diseases  of  the  he.lbj.  Inflamed  stomach  seldom  attacks  the 
horse  as  an  idiopathic  affection,  but  it  is  not  unfrcquent  for  the 
stomach  to  become  inflamed  by  mineral  poison  as  well  as  rendered 
inert  by  vegetable  ones. 

40.  Mineral  poisons'  inflame  the  stomach  acutely,  and  produce 
excessive  distress,  and  cold  sweats;  the  animal  lies  down,  rolls, 
o-ets  up  again,  looks  short  round  to  his  ribs,  stamps  with  his  fore 
feet,  and  his  pulse  beats  quick  and  short.  When  arsenic  or  corro- 
sive sublimate  have  occasioned  the  malady,  a  viscid  mucus  distils 
from  the  nose  and  mouth,  and  tlie  breath  is  fcetid.  When  copper 
in  the  form  of  vitriolic  salts,  or  verdigris  has  been  given,  fo  the 
foregoing  symptoms  are  usually  added  ineffectual  attempts  to  vomit. 
Immediately  after  the  poison  is  discovered,  pour  down  two  ounces 
of  sulphuretted  potash,  in  a  quart  of  water;  or  in  the  absence  of 
that,  an  ounce  of  common  potash  in  the  same  qu?antity  of  water : 
or,  when  no  better  substitute  is  at  hand,  even  strong  soap  suds  are 
advisable.  Mineral  poisons  have  also  another  mode  of  acting,  and 
are  often  received  into  the  constitution,  neither  by  design  to  do 
miacliief,  nor  by  mistake,  but  are  purposely  given  as  remedies. — 
in  this  way,  Doln  mercury  and  arsenic  are  frequently  given  for 
worms,  glanders,  farcy,  &.c.  in  daily  doses,  T7hich,  when  even  of 
considerable  magnitude,  occasion  for  many  days  no  inconvenience  ; 
iL  at  once,  however,  the  constitution  becomes  fully. saturated  with 
ihe  poison,  and  although  before  diff'ased  throughout  the  blood,  it 
now  appears  to  return  and  act  on  the  stomach  to  the  great  surprise 
ut  the  owner.  In  these  cases  the  symptoms  are  not  usually  so 
vwlei:*.  as  in  the  former   instance,  but  they  are  equally  fatal.     A 


DISKASKS  OF  HORSES.  UV* 

«imilar  treatmeii't  with  the  one  already  prescribed  is  necessary,  ano 
as  soon  as  the  first  symptoms  are  abated,  give  laxatives.  In  all 
these  cases-  large  quantities  of  linseed  tea  should  be  horned  down, 
the  back  should  be  raked  and  clysters  thrown  up,  blood  should  also 
oe  taken  away  plentifully.  As  a  preventive  to  this  latter  mode  oi 
poisoning,  whenever  mineral  agents  are  used,  it  is  prudent  every 
five  or  six  days  to  stop  a  while,  and  then  recommence,  by  which 
the  constitution  will  part  with  the  previous  quantity. 

41.  Salivation  is  also  another  mode  of  poisoning,  and  though  not 
equally  injurious  to  the  stomach,  it  often  proves  distressing,  and 
sometimes  fatal.  Whenever,  therefore,  mercurials  are  given,  care- 
fully  watch  the  gums,  and  as  soon  as  they  look  red,  and  the  horse 
quids  his  hay,  give  him  a  mild  purge  instead  of  his  mercurial. 

42.  Vegetable  poisons  also  inflame  the  stomach,  but  by  no  means 
in  an  equal  degree  with  the  mijieral  poisons,  nor  is  it  supposed  that 
it  is  the  inflammation  they  raise  that  proves  destructive,  but  by  an 
effect  communicated  through  the  stomach  to  the  nervous  system. 
Digitalis  purpurea  or  foxglove,  taxus  haccata  or  yew,  cenanthe 
crocata  or  water  dropwort,  cicuta  virosa  or  water  hemlock,  phellan- 
drium  aquaticum  or  water  parsley,  conium  maculatum  or  common 
hemlock,  are  all  poisonous  in  a  high  degree  to  horses,  and  may  ba 
taken  accidentally  by  the  animal  as  food,  or  given  injudiciously  as 
medicine.  Nicotiana,  or  tobacco,  and  the  vegetable  acid  of  vinegar, 
are  also  poisonous,  and  are  sometimes  productive  of  injurious  con- 
sequences by  over-doses,  when  intended  as  remedies.  It  is  little 
known  that  a  pint  of  strong  vinegar  has  destroyed  a  horse.  As  we 
cannot  remove  the  matters  from  the  stomach,  we  must  endeavour 
to  neutralize  their  effects,  by  acids  and  demulcents,  as  oil,  butter, 
«fcc.  Thus,  when  narcotics  have  been  taken,  a  drachm  of  sul- 
phuric  acid  or  oil  of  vitriol  may  be  given  in  a  quart  of  alq ;  or  six 
ounces  of  vinegar,  with  six  of  gin,  and  a  quart  of  ale,  may  be  tried. 

43.  Stomach  staggers.  This  peculiar  complaint,  which  is  even 
vet  but  little  understood,  appears  dependent  on  a  particular  stata 
of  stomach,  acting  on  particular  foods ;  and  not  on  what  is  taken 
in,  acting  on  the  stomach,  as  was  supposed  by  Coleman,  White, 
and  others.  From  later  communications  of  White,  he  also  now  ap 
pears  to  consider  it  as  originating  in  "  a  particular  state  of  stomach.* 
Blaine  appears  always  to  have  characterized  it  as  'a  specific  inflam 
raation  of  the  stomach."  It  appears  among  horses  of  every  descrip- 
tion,  and  at  grass  as  well  as  in  the  stable,  and  there  is  reason  lo 
tinnk  it  epideiuic,  as  it  is  prevalent  in  some  seaso'as  more  tha« 


218  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

in  others,  [t  may,  perhaps,  be  regarded  now  ana  then  as  enaemic 
also;  under  which  circumstance  it  appears  confined  to  low  wet 
situations,  where  long  marshy  grass  is  abundant,  and  where  noxious 
aquatic  plants  mix  themselves  with  the  grasses.  When  it  occurs 
dt  grass,  the  horse  is  found  stupidly  dull,  or  asleep  with  his  head 
restmg  against  something.  This  has  occasioned  the  disease  to 
be  called  the  sleepy  staggers,  and  it  has  often  been  confounded  with 
the  phrenitis  or  inflammation  of  the  brain.  (8.)  In  the  stable  the 
horse  dozes,  and  rests  his  head  in  the  manger ;  he  then  walks  up 
and  falls  to  eating,  which  he  continues  to  do  until  the  distention  of 
the  stomach  becomes  enormous  ;  for  the  peculiarity  of  the  com- 
plaint consists  in  the  total  stop  that  is  put  to  digestion,  and  the 
uneasy  feel  of  the  distension  consequent  to  such  indigestion  appears 
to  deceive  the  horse,  and  by  a  morbid  excitement  to  force  him  to 
take  in  more.  In  this  way  he  continues  eating  until  the  distention 
prevents  the  return  of  the  blood  from  the  head,  and  the  animal  dies 
apoplectic,  or  his  stomach  bursts  with  over-distention.  More  fre- 
quently, however,  the  stomach  becomes  flabby,  inert,  and  paralytic, 
and  after  death  presents  marks  of  inflammation  towards  the  pylorus. 

44.  The  treatment.  When  recovery  has  taken  place,  it  has 
occurred  only  when  the  disease  has  been  very  mild,  and  has  been 
assisted  by  stimulating  the  stomach  into  action  by  purgatives,  at 
once  active  and  invigorating,  as  an  ounce  of  aloes  dissolved  in  a 
half  pint  of  gin.  Wlien  a  horse  of  extreme  value  is  attacked,  croton 
oil  might  be  tried  to  the  amount  of  20  or  25  drops  in  two  ounces  of 
tincture  of  aloes.  Warm  water  in  small  quantities,  or  mixed  with 
common  salt  should  be  frequently  passed  down.  Remove  every 
eatable,  rake,  clyster,  and  hand  rub ;  and  if  the  determination  to 
the  head  be  extreme,  bleed — otherwise  avoid  it. 

45.  Inflammation  of  the  bowels,  enteritis,  or  red  colic,  is  a  very 
"distinct  disease  from  the  gripes,  gullion,  or  fret,  with  which  it  is, 

however,  very  apt  to  be  confounded  to  the  destruction  of  many 
horses.  Tlie  peritoneal  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  the  one  here 
treated  on,  is  an  affection  of  their  outer  covering. 

46.  The  causes  are  various.  It  is  not  unfrequently  brought  on  by 
a  wudden  translation  of  cold  after  great  heats,  as  swimming  during 
nunting,  or  from  the  removal  of  a  horse  from  grass  at  once  into 
neated  stables,  clothing  and  hard  food  ;  neglected  gripes,  or  long 
continued  costiveness,  excessive  riding,  and  the  immediate  drinking 
of  cold  water,  have  brought  it  on.  It  begins  by  restlessness,  loss 
of  apoetite,  some  uneasiness;  the  moutli  is  hot  and  dry,  fhe  innet 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  210 

membranes  of  the  mouth,  nose,  and  eyelids  are  often  redder  than 
natural  As  the  disease  advances,  the  pain,  before  not  violent, 
now  increases  so  as  to  force  the  horse  to  lie  down  and  rise  again 
frequently ;  and  when  very  violent,  he  kicks  at  his  belly,  or  looktt 
round  at  his  sides,  pawing  his  litter  very  frequently.  The  pulse  ia 
usually  small,  quick,  or  hard  ;  sometimes  it  is  more  full  and  small, 
but  always  hard.  Breathing  is  quickened,  the  extremities  are 
alternately  hot  and  cold,  but  continue  longer  cold  than  hot ;  and 
the  animal  is  costive  ;  sometimes  pain  may  force  away  a  few  har- 
dened balls  of  fceces,  but  the  principal  contents  are  retained. 
Blaine  has  given  the  distinguishing  features  between  this  di:^ea£e 
and  colic,  under  which  head  we  have  stated  them. 

47.  The  treatment  must  be  active  and  immediate,  or  a  fatal  ter- 
mination may  be  expected.  Begin  by  abstracting  a  considerable 
quantity  of  blood  ;  from  a  large  horse  to  the  amount  of  7  or  8  quarts ; 
proceed  to  back-rake,  throw  up  a  large  clyster  of  warm  gruel.  Give 
by  the  mouth,  a  pint  of  castor  oil,  mixed  by  the  means  of  the  yelk 
of  two  eggs,  with  half  a  pint  of  broth  or  gruel.  Or,  give  olive  oil 
instead,  following  it  up  in  half  an  hour  by  a  gruel  drench  in  which 
six  ounces  of  Epsom  salts  have  been  dissolved.  A  sheep  skin,  im- 
mediately as  it  is  removed  from  the  sheep,  may  be  applied  to  the 
be)  J,  which  should  first  be  well  rubbed  with  the  stronger  liquid 
blister.  (Vet.  Pha.  141.)  In  four  hours  repeat  the  bleeding,  if  con- 
siderable improvement  have  not  taken  place,  and  if  the  bowels  be 
not  unloaded,  give  more  oil,  and  clyster  frequently,  hft.ving  first 
back-raked.  Avoid  exercise ;  first  hand-rub,  and  afterwards  wrap 
up  the  extremities  to  the  knees.  As  a  clear  passage  for  the  dung 
is  found,  the  symptoms  mitigate,  and  the  animal  slowly  recovers , 
but  he  must  be  fed  at  first  very  sparingly. 

48.  Inflammation  of  the  inner  surface  of  the  intestines  is,  in  some 
measure,  different  from  the  former,  which  is  rather  an  affection  ol 
their  outer  covering  ;  whereas  this  is  usually  confined  to  their  villous 
surface,  and  may  be  brought  on  by  superpurgation  from  over-strong 
physic,  or  from  mineral  acids  being  taken  in,  particularly  mercu- 
rials, which  often  exert  more  influence  on^fhe  bowels  than  on  the 
stomach.  It  differs  from  the  former  in  the  symptoms  being  gener- 
ally accompanied  with  purging  ;  neither  is  there  usually  so  much 
pain  or  uneasiness  present,  nor  such  cold  extremities,  but  j«here 
firom  the  violence  of  the  inflammation  these  symptoms  are  present 
uleeding  to  the  amount  of  three  or  four  quarts  is  a  proper  pif* 
iminary,  but  can  hardly  be  with  propriety  continued.  The  same 
limulants  to  the  outside  of  the  belly  should   be  used  as  in  tne  last 

20 


220  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

disease  but  here  clothing  is  recommended  as  well  as  warmth  m 
the  stable,  as  also  hand-rubbmg  to  keep  up  the  circulation  of  the 
extremities.  Give  astringent  drink  (Vet.  Pha.  131,  No.  1  or  2.) 
with  a  pint  of  boiled  starch  every  three  hours,  and  give  the  same 
by  clyster  with  two  quarts  of  pot  liquor,  or  tripe  liquor,  free  from 
Kalt 

49.  Dysenteric  inflammation  of  the  horse^s  bowels  is  happily  not 
very  common,  but  now  and  then  appears,  and  is  then  called  by 
farriers,  molten  grease;  they  mistaking  the  morbid  secretion  from 
the  intestines,  for  the  fat  of  the  body  melted  down  and  passing  off 
thus.  But  dysentery  is  a  peculiar  inflammation  of  the  mucous  sur- 
face of  the  intestines,  not  contagious  as  in  the  human,  nor  epidemic, 
nor  exhibiting  a  putrid  tendency  ;  but  is  peculiarly  confined  ^o  a 
diseased  increase  in  the  mucous  secretions,  yet  very  different  from 
simple  diarrhoea,  which  is  a  mere  increase  in  the  peristaltic  motion, 
by  which  the  common  aliments  are  quickly  passed  through  the 
intestines,  and  ejected  in  a  liquid  form  by  an  increase  in  their  watery 
secretion.  Whereas  in  the  dysentery  of  the  horse,  the  mucous  of 
the  intestines  separates  from  them  in  large  quantities ;  and  comes 
away  with  the  dung  surrounding  it ;  but  when  it  does  not  pass  in 
this  way  it  appears  in  membranous  films  like  sodden  leather,  or  in 
«tringy  evacuations,  like  morsels  of  fat  floating  in  water  ;  sometimes 
there  is  a  little  bloody  appearance.  The  usual  symptoms  of  fever 
are  always  present,  but  not  in  a  very  high  degree. 

50.  The  causes  are  cold,  over-riding,  and  not  unfrequontly 
acrid  substances  within  the  intestines:  change  of  food  has  occa- 
sioned it. 

51.  The  treatment.  In  the  first  stages  bleed  considerably,  and 
give  as  the  first  internal  remedy  six  ounces  of  castor  oil,  which  will 
amend  the  fcEcal  evacuations  considerably,  afterwards  administer 
the  following;  powdered  ipecacuanha,  a  drachm;  powdered  opium., 
a  scruple  ;  liquid  arrowroot,  eight  ounces.  Should  this  not  check 
the  evacuation,  and  should  it  continue  as  mucous  as  at  first,  again 
give  castor  oil,  and  then  follow  it  up  by  either  of  the  drinks  directed 
tV)r  the  cure  of  scouring  or  looseness.  (Vet.  Pha.  131.) 

52.  Diarrhoea  or  looseness.     This  complaint  originates  in  an  m 
creased  peristaltic  motion   of  the  intestines,  with  an  increase  of 
their  watery  secretion,  and  is  distinguished  from  dysentery  by  th" 
ynirging  being  complete  from  the  first,  and  seldom  occasioning  much 
fijvt/^  or  dibturoance  in  the  general  health,  unless  exceedingly  *\o- 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  22\ 

lent.  The  stools  are  merely  solutions  of  the  aliiiient,  and  unmixed 
with  membranous  films  as  in  dysentery  or  molten  grease.  It  some- 
times succeeds  to  over  strong  physic,  at  others  the  food  enters  into 
,  new  combinations,  and  forms  a  purge.  Some  horses  have  the^r 
bowels  constitutionally  weak,  as  lank-sided  small  carcassed  ones, 
where  the  mechanical  pressure  hurries  the  contents  forwards.  Salt 
mashes  and  sea  water  will  purge  horses  violently  sometimes.  It  is 
always  proper  to  encourage  warmth  in  the  skin,  and  to  change  the 
food.  The  change  should  be  generally  from  one  more  moist  to  one 
less  so,  as  beans,  &c.  Barley  will  sometimes  stop  looseness ;  malt 
usually  increases  it.  Buckwheat  is  often  a  check  to  habitual  diar. 
rhcea.  Efficacious  astringents  wnll  be  found  in  the  {Vet.  Pha.  131.) 
Repeat  either  of  these  night  and  morning.  Give  but  little  water 
and  that  little  warm. 

53.  Colic,  flatulent  or  spasmodic,  called  also  gripes,  fret,  or  gul. 
lion,  is  an  important,  because  a  frequent,  disease,  and  because  it 
frequently  destroys  either  quickly  by  its  irritation,  or  by  its  de- 
generating into  the  red  or  inflammatory  colic,  when  improperly 
treated  or  long  continued.     It  is  usually  very  sudden  in  its  attack. 

54.  The  causes  of  colic  are  not  always  apparent.    It  is  sometimes 

occasioned  by  intestinal  stones,  which  accumulate  to  a  great  size, 

remaining  for  years  in  the  cells  of  the  colon,  until  some  accidental 

displacement  occasions  an  interruption  to  the  peristaltic  motion. 

Cold  in  its  various  forms  is  a  parent  of  colic  ;  but  under  the  form 

of  cold    water    given  when  a  horse    is  hot,   it  is  most  common. 

In  some  horses  it  is  so  frequent  as  to  become  a  constitusional  ap- 

pendage. 

f 

55.  The  distinguishing  -marks  between  colic  and  inflammation  of 
the  bowels  are  gained,  according  to  Blaine,  by  attending  to  the 
following  circumstances.  In  gripes  the  horse  has  violent  fits  of 
pain,  but  they  remit,  and  he  has  intervals  of  ease.  The  pain  in  red 
colic  is  more  uniform  and  less  violent.  In  gripes  the  pulse  is,  in 
general,  natural ;  in  red  colic  it  is  quicker  than  natural,  and  com- 
KiOnly  small.  The  extremities  are  not  usually  cold  in  gripes ;  in 
red  colic  they  usually  are.  In  gripes,  the  horse  attempts  to  roll  on 
his  back,  which  in  red  colic  he  seldom  does.  There  are  no  marKs 
of  fever  with  gripes,  as  red  eyelids,  inflamed  nostrils,  &c.  but  in 
red  colic  they  are  always  present.  When  the  complaint  has  con. 
tinned  some  hours  it  is  always  proper  to  bleed  to  prevent  its  ending  • 
in  mflammation :  bleeding  in  the  mouth  is  quite  uscIpj^s.  Back, 
rake,  and  throw  up  clysters  of  warm  water,  one  after  another  aa 


222  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

fast  as  possible,  which  rften  overcomes  the  irritation.  La  Fosse 
recommends  a  curious  remedy,  but  as^it  can  always  be  obtained,  and 
has  the  sanction  of  long  experience,  it  may  be  tried.  An  onion  i?- 
pounded  and  mixed  up  with  some  powdered  savin ;  in  default  of 
which,  use  powdered  ginger.  This  is  to  be  introduced  up  the  rec 
trum  as  high  as  possible,  and  the  horse  is  to  be  then  moved  briskly 
about.  An  onion  put  up  the  fundament  whole,  has  long  been  a 
domestic  remedy.  The  following  is  recommended  by  Blaine  :  spirit 
of  vitriolic  ether,  an  ounce;  powdered  opium,  one  drachm;  oil  oj 
turpentine,  three  ounces ;  warm  ale,  a  pint.  He  also  recommends 
the  following  more  simple  remedy  as  always  at  hand  :  the  expressed 
juice  of  two  or  three  large  onions  ;  cotnmon  gin,  common  oil,  of  each 
half  a  pint;  mix  and  give.  White  recommends  a  pint  of  brandy, 
or  of  gin,  with  water,  as  an  excellent  carminative.  Clark,  who  haa 
expressly  written  on  gripes,  extols  the  virtues  of  a  mixture  thus 
made;  which,  if  it  have  the  qualities  he  attributes  to  it,  and  which 
there  is  no  reason  to  doubt,  no  agriculturalist,  coach,  or  post  master 
Bhould  be  without  it :  pimento  berry,  called  also  Uctspice,  ground 
tine,  half  a  pound;  spirits  of  wine,  and  of  xoater,  o;  each  a  pint  and 
a  half ;  infuse  these  together,  and  keep  it  for  use.  Give  a  quarter 
of  a  pint  every  hour  until  full  relief  is  obtained ;  hand-rubbing, 
wisping,  or  fomenting  the  bowels  with  hot  water  at  the  time. 

56.  Inflammation  of  the  intestines  from  wounds  in  the  belly  fre. 
quently  occurs  ;  and  these  injuries  may  happen  in  leaping  over 
hedges  or  pale  gates,  or  may  be  inflict. jd  by  the  horn  of  a  cow. 
Sometimes  the  strong  tendinous  covering  of  the  belly  is  ruptured, 
while  the  skin  remains  entire  :  the  gut  then  protrudes  and  forcea 
out  tlie  skin  into  a  tumour.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  put 
the  gut  back,  taking  care  at  the  same  time,  otherwise  extensive 
inflammation  follows,  to  remove  any  dirt  or  other  matter  that  may 
be  sticking  to  it ;  for  which  purpose,  should  it  be  found  necessary, 
it  may  be  washed  with  warm  water,  but  with  nothing  stronger. 
If  the  gut  cannot  be  returned,  from  its  being  full  of  air,  and  the 
opening  in  the  belly  be  too  small  to  put  it  back  again,  such  opening 
may  be  carefully  enlarged  to  the  necessary  size.  But  if  the  animal 
can  be  thrown  upon  his  back  conveniently,  a  great  deal  may  be  done 
tiiat  cannot  otherwise  be  accomplished;  after  the  gut  is  returned, 
the  skin  only  should  be  stitched  up,  and  a  cushion  of  several  folds 
nf  old  linen  and  tow  being  placed  on  the  wound,  it  should  be  kept 
<n  Its  situation  by  means  of  a  wide  bandage  rolled  round  the  body, 
Hntl  carefully  secured.  The  animal  should  then  be  copiously  bled, 
and  have  his  boweis  emptied  by  clysters.  The  only  food  he  should 
00  allowed  is  grass,  or  bran  mashes    and  that  only  in  moderate 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  223 

quantity.  When  the  distention  of  the  intestines  wholly  prevents 
their  return,  it  would  be  prudent  to  puncture  them  with  a  very  finri 
instrument,  and  thus  to  suffer  the  air  to  escape,  which,  althougli 
subjecting  the  horse  to  the  risk  of  inflammation,  is  better  than  the 
certainty  of  death  by  having  the  intestines  protruded. 

57.  Worms  of  horses  are  found,  as  bots,  in  the  stomach,  but 
which  as  they  attach  themselves  to  the  hard  insensible  part  of  that 
organ  seldom  do  harm.  Clark  fancifully  supposes  they  do  good, 
and  devises  means  for  furnishing  them  when  not  in  existence.  The 
hot  is  the  larva  of  the  CEstrus  equi,  a  fly  which  deposits  its  eggs  on 
parts  of  the  horse  himself,  from  whence  they  pass  into  the  stomach 
by  being  licked  off.  Certain  it  is  they  get  there,  are  hatched,  and 
there  remain  hanging  to  the  coats  of  it  by  two  tentaculae,  receiving 
the  juices  of  the  masticated  food  as  nutriment.  After  a  considerable 
time  they  make  their  way  out  by  the  anus,  drop  on  the  ground,  and 
are  first  transformed  into  the  chrysalids,  and  afterwards  into  parent 
flies.  When  bots  fix  themselves  on  the  sensible  portion  of  the 
stomach,  they  may  do  harm  ;  but  no  medicine  that  we  know  of  will 
destroy  them.  The  teres  or  large  round  worm  sometimes  occasions 
mischief,  when  it  exists  in  great  numbers,  such  as  a  starting  coat, 
binding  of  the  hide,  irregular  appetite,  and  clammy  mouth.  The 
best  remedy  is  the  spigelia  marylandica  or  Indian  pink,  in  daily 
doses  of  half  an  ounce.  TcBnia  are  not  common  in  the  horse ;  now 
and  then  they  exist,  and  are  best  combatted  by  weekly  doses  of  oil 
of  turpentine,  three  ounces  at  a  time,  mixed  by  means  of  the  yelk 
of  an  egg  with  half  a  pint  of  ale.  The  ascaris  or  thread  worms,  are 
best  removed  by  mercurial  purgatives.  The  existence  of  worms 
may  be  known  by  the  appearance  of  a  yellow  matter  under  the  tail, 
and  by  the  disposition  the  horse  has  to  rub  his  fundament.  Blaine 
recommends  the  following  vermifuge :  powdered  arsenic,  eight 
grains;  pewter  or  tin  finely  scraped ;  Venice  turpentine,  half  an 
ounce  ;  make  into  a  ball  and  give  every  morning.  He  also  recora- 
mends  salt  to  be  given  daily  with  the  food,  which  agrees  with  our 
own  experience  as  one  of  the  best  vermifuges  known.  It  is  a  fact 
acknowledged  by  the  residents  along  the  sea-coast,  that  horses 
troubled  with  worms  will  often  voluntarily  drink  largely  of  soa 
water,  and  thus  cure  themselves. 

58,  The  diseases  of  the  liver  are  acute  inflammation  or  hepatitis, 
and  chronic  inflammation  or  yellows.  Hepatitis  is  the  acute  inflam- 
mation of  this  organ,  which  like  the  lungs,  stomach,  and  intestines^ 
may  spontaneously  take  on  the  affection.  The  symptoms  are  not 
unlike  those  which  attend  red  colic,  but  with  less  violence,     (f  n 

20* 


224  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

be  not  however  arrested,  the  termination  will  be  equally  fatal. 
About  the  third  day  the  whites  of  the  eyes  turn  yellow  and  th« 
mouth  also.  Bleeding,  blistering,  and  purgatives  form  the  method 
of  cure  as  practised  in  red  colic. 

59.  Chronic  inflammation  or  yellows.  The  liver  of  horses  is  less 
complex  than  that  of  any  other  animals,  and  is  therefore  not  very 
liable  to  disease  ;  indeed  some  authors  affirm  that  the  horse  is  never 
affected  with  jaundice,  but  that  the  yellowness  of  skin  is  a  mere 
stomach  affection  :  this  is,  however,  erroneous,  and  not  only  does 
the  liver  become  hardened  and  thickened  occasionally,  but  the  bile 
becomes  diseased,  and  is  thrown  out  in  that  state  by  the  blood  over 
the  body.  If  fever  be  present,  bleed,  but  if  the  symptoms  present 
no  token  of  active  inflammation,  give  each  night,  ten  grains  of 
calomel,  and  every  ten  days,  work  it  off  with  a  mild  dose  of  physic. 
It  is,  however,  necfcssary  to  remark  ;  that  it  is  not  every  yellowness 
of  the  skin  that  bebOKens  either  an  acute  or  chronic  inflammation  of 
the  liver.  It  is  the  property  of  every  serious  inflammation  of  any 
of  the  important  organs  of  the  cliest  and  belly,  to  communicate  a 
portion  of  the  evil  to  the  other  organs  immediately  in  conjunction 
with  the  liver :  thus  an  affection  of  the  stomach  or  intestines,  of  the 
uiflammatoxy  kind,  very  often  occasions  redness  of  the  membranes 
of  the  nose,  eyelids,  &c.  &c. 

60.  Diseases  of  the  urinary  organs.  Inflammation  of  the  kidneys, 
is  an  idiopathic  affection,  not  one  of  frequent  occurrence ;  but  as 
brought  on  by  injuries,  such  as  over-riding,  heavy  loads,  or  violent 
diuretics,  it  is  not  unfrequent :  when  idiopathic,  it  may  be  the  effect 
either  of  cold,  heating  food,  or  a  translation  of  same  other  inflam- 
mation, in  which  cases  it  comes  on  suddenly,  and  assumes  the  same 
febrile  appearances  that  other  intestine  inflammations  produce  ;  but 
there  is  not  often  great  apparent  pain,  but  a  frequent  inclination  to 
stale,  the  quantity  made  being  so  small  as  almost  to  amount  to  a 
stoppage  of  urine,  which  is  less  or  more  complete  as  one  or  both 
kidneys  are  affected.  What  little  urine  is  made,  is  also  at  first  very 
thick,  and  then  bloody.  When  the  disease  is  the  effect  of  external 
injury,  the  urine  is  not  so  scanty,  but  is  more  bloody ;  and  this 
symptom  precedes  the  other.  There  is  usually  much  pain  and 
stiffness  about  the  loins,  and  we  learn  from  Blaine,  that  a  swelling 
and  a  paralytic  affection  of  the  land  leg  of  the  side  of  the  affected 
kidney,  sometime?  is  a  feature  in  the  complaint.  To  distinguish 
this  inflammation  from  that  of  the  neck  or  body  of  the  bladder, 
wiiJi  which  it  may  be  confounded,  the  same  author  recommends 
th4.t  the  hand  be  passed  up  the  rectum,  when  if  the  affection  beknisr 


WSEASES  OF  HORSES.  22 

to  the  kidneys,  the  bladder,  whether  full  or  empty,  will  not  be  hotter 
than  usual ;  but  the  contrary  occurs  when  any  part  of  the  bladde 
is  the  seat  of  the  disease. 

61.  The  treatment  must  be  active,  and  m  most  respects  similar 
to  what  has  been  recommended  for  red  colic,  as  regards  bleedings 
emptying  the  bowels,  and  endeavouring  to  lessen  the  arterial  action 
by  bleeding;  but  here  we  must  carefully  abstain  from  irritating 
the  kidneys  by  diuretics  internally,  or  blisters  externally.  A  newly 
srtipped  sheep  skin  placed  over  the  loins,  or  active  fomentations  of 
hot  water,  are  the  only  sources  of  counter  irritation  that  are  proper 
neither  should  diluting  liquors  be  pressed,  on  account  of  the  dis 
teition  they  occaj-ion,  but  no  evil  can  arise  from  clystering. 

62.  Inflammation  of  the  bladder.  When  the  body  of  the  bladder 
necomes  inflamed,  there  is  frequent  staling  from  the  very  first 
attack ;  but  when  the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  the  seat  of  the  evil,  the 
squeezing  out  of  a  few  drops  will  only  take  place  when  the  bladder 
has  become  filled,  which  may  bo  known  by  passing  the  hand  up  the 
rectum.  The  treatment  will  be  alike  in  both  cases,  and  is  the 
same  as  recommended  for  the  last  affection.  It  must  be  evident, 
that  warm,  mild,  and  frequent  clystering,  must  here  be  peculiarly 
advisable. 

63.  Slranguary  or  suppression  of  urine  ;  incontinence  of  urine  ; 
bloody  urine.  Stranguary  may  arise  from  an  injury  done  to  tho 
kidneys,  or  to  the  bladder,  by  strains,  or  by  the  absorption  of  irri- 
tating  matters.  In  these  cases,  bleed  if  there  be  fever,  and  if  not 
merely  give  the  horse  absolute  rest;  mash  him,  give  gruel,  and 
warm  his  water  for  drink.  Bloody  urine  should  be  treated  in  the 
same  way  ;  some  horses  have  such  a  natural  or  acquired  v/eakness 
of  the  kidneys,  as  to  stale  blood  with  their  urine  on  every  occasion 
of  over  exertion  :  the  means  frequently  u^ed  for  relief,  are  sucn  as 
aggravate  the  complaint,  and  indeed  are  often  the  occasion  or'  it, 
which  are  diuretics.  Strong  diuretics  injure  horses  more  than 
strong  physic,  and  benefit  them  less  than  any  other  of  the  popular 
means  made  use  of.  In  retentions  of  urine,  but  particularly  in  cases 
of  bloody  urine,  they  are  absolutely  improper. 

64.  Diabetes,  profuse  staling,  or  pissing  evil.  This  disease  in 
more  frequently  forced  on  the  horse,  by  long  continued  diuretics, 
or  from  a  similar  effect  brought  on  by  kiln-dried  oats,  mow-burni 
hay,  or  some  green  vegetables,  than  acquiied  from  constitutional 
indisposition.  The  horse  first  stales  often,  and  profusely,  he  then 
becou/es  v/eak  and  faiit,  and  sweats  on  any  exertion.     If  il  be  at  aU 


v2t3  DISEASES  OF  HOUSES. 

Tonstilutional,  his  hide  is  bound  from  the  beginning,  and  nis  urine 
vill  have  a  sweet  taste  ;  but  if  his  appetite  were  good  and  his  coa*, 
leek,  bright,  and  elastic,  when  the  urine  was  first  observed  to  be 
<nmoderate,  the  evil  arises  from  some  fault  in  the  feeding,  clothing, 
ixercise,  or  other  management  of  the  horse.     Examine  into  these 
natters,  particularly  into  the  food,  and  next  the  water.     Inquire 
\'hether  diuretics  have  been  given,  under  an  erroneous  supposition 
vf  increasing  the  condition,  and  alter  what  may  be  amiss.     If  this 
do  not  remove  the  complaint,  try  the  following,  after  Blaine's  direc- 
tions :  liver  of  sulphur,  two  drachms;  uva  ursi,  four  drachms;  oak 
bark,  one  ounce ;  catechu,  half  an  ounce  ;  alum,  half  a  drachm;  givo 
us  a  daily  drink  in  a  pint  of  water. 

65.  Stone  or  graveL  Calculous  concretions  are  not  uncommon 
in  the  large  intestines  of  horses,  where  they  grow  sometimes  to  an 
enormous  size,  lodged  in  one  of  the  cells  usually,  and  where  they 
occasion  but  little  inconvenience,  except  a  displacement  occurs, 
when  serious  evils,  as  colic,  inflammation,  or  total  stoppage,  follow. 
In  the  bladder,  stone  is  very  seldom  found ;  and  there  is  reason  to 
believe,  that  though  gravel  is  a  common  term  in  the  farrier's  list, 
that  it  seldom  if  ever  occurs ;  injuries  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder 
being  usually  mistaken  for  it. 

,  Diseases  of  the  SJdn. 

66.  Mange  is  a  contagious  disease,  not  uncommon  among  low 
bred  and  badly  kept  horses,  but  which  is  seldom  generated  in  those 
properly  managed.  Wlien  it  is  the  effect  of  impoverished  blood,  a 
different  course  of  feeding  must  be  substituted,  not  heating,  but 
cooling,  though  generous ;  as  carrots,  speared  oats,  malt  mashes, 
stable  soiling,  &c.  When  it  arises  in  full  fed  horses,  bleed  twice, 
lower  the  feeding,  substituting  for  corn,  soiling,  carrots,  or  bran 
mashes.  Give  a  nightly  alterative,  (Vet.  Pharm.  129,  No.  1  or  2) 
and  dress  with  either  of  the  mange  dressings.  (Vet.  Pharm.  171.) 
After  a  cure  has  been  effected,  carefully  clean  all  the  apartments' 
with  soap  and  water. 

67.  Surfeit  will  now  and  then  degenerate  into  mange,  but  more 
generally  it  is  brought  on  by  a  fulness  of  habit,  acted  on  by  sudden 
transitions  from  cold  to  heat,  or  heat  to  cold :  it  is  likewise  not 
unfrequently  the  consequence  of  over-fatigue.  If  it  show  a  dispo- 
nition  to  spread,  and  the  skin  become  scaly  and  scurfy,  treat  as  undel 
mange ,  otherwise  treat  as  directed  under  want  of  condition.  (4) 

68.  Warhles  are  of  the  nature  of  surfeit  in  many  instances,  Id 
•thers  thev  are  brought  on  by  t  he  pressure   of  the  saddle,  v/hicli 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  227 

either  cuppuraie  and  burst,  or  become  indolent  and  remain  undei 
the  name  of  sitfasts.  In  the  early  state,  bathe  them  with  cham- 
ber-ley or  vinegar:  If  they  proceed  to  suppuration,  refrain,  and 
when  they  neither  go  back  or  come  forward,  put  on  a  pitch 
plaster,  and  if  this  do  not  promote  suppuration,  let  the  sitfast  bo 
dissected  out. 

69.  Warts  are  common  to  old  horses,  and  had  better  be  put  up 
with  unless  they  be  situated  in  some  very  inconvenient  or  con 
epicuous  part.     In  this  case  tie  a  thread  tightly  around  the  root, 
and  the  wart  will  drop  off,  or  it  may  be  cut  off.     Blaine  recom. 

'mends  the  following,  when  warts  are  too  numerous  to  be  sc 
removed:  crude  sal  ammoniac,  two  drachms;  powdered  savin,  one 
ounce;  lard,  an  ounce  and  a  half. 

70.  Hide  bound  is  a  state  of  the  sl'in,  where  the  interstitial  matter 
between  that  and  the  fleshy  pannicle  is  not  in  a  state  to  allow  ot 
its  pliancy  and  elasticity.  The  binding  down  of  the  hide  thug 
closely,  acts?  on  the  hair,  which  it  protrudes  in  a  contrary  direction 
to  its  naturally  inclined  position ;  and  thus  a  staring  coat  usually 
accompanies  hide  bmdmg.  In  considering  the  subject  of  condition 
(4)  we  have  seen  tuat  it  is  not  a  disease  of  itself,  but  is  in  every 
instance  a  symptom  only. 

Glanders  and  Farcy. 

71.  The  gldnders  is  the  opprobrium  medicorum,  for  hitherto  no 
attempts  have  succeeded  in  the  cure  of  more  than  a  few  cases.  Bv 
some  peculiar  anomaly  in  the  consticution  of  the  horse,  although 
conclusive  proofs  are  not  wanting  that  this  and  farcy  are  modi- 
fications of  one  disease,  and  can  each  generate  the  other ;  yet  the 
one  is  incurable,  while  the  other  is  cured  every  day.  When  glan- 
ders  has  been  cured,  the  time  and  labour  necessary  to  accomplish 
the  end  has  swallowed  up  the  value  of  the  horse ;  and  has  also,  in 
many  supposed  instances  of  cure,  left  the  animal  liable  to  future 
attacks  which  have  occurred.  The  experiments  on  glanders,  pu 
Bued  at  the  veterinary  college  and  Dy  White  of  Exeter,  have  thrown 
great  light  on  the  disease  itself,  its  causes,  connexions,  and  con- 
sequences ;  but  have  done  little  more.  From  these  we  are  led  to 
conclude,  that  glanders  will  produce  farcy,  and  that  farcy  cap  pro- 
duce glanders.  That  glanders  is  highly  infectious,  and  that  eacn 
infection  may  be  received  by  the  stomach,  or  by  the  skm  v/hen  it 
IS  at  all  abraded  or  sore :  and  it  is  also  probable  that  it  is  received 
by  the  noses  of  horses  being  rubbed  against  each  other.  White'* 
expei'inents  go  to  prove  that  the  air  of  a  glandered  stable  is  xxvn 


228  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

infectious*  but  this  matter  is  by  no  means  certain,  and  should   n«< 
bo  depended  on  without  a  greater  body  of  evidence. 

72.  The  marks  of  glanders  are  a  discharge  of  purulent  matter 
from  ulcers  situated  in  one  or  both  nostrils,  more  often  from  the 
left  than  the  right.  This  discharge  soon  becomes  glairy,  thick,  and 
wliite-of-egg-like  :  it  afterwards  shows  bloody  streaks,  and  is  foetid. 
The  glands  of  the  jaw  of  the  affected  side,  called  the  kernels,  swell 
from  an  absorption  of  the  virus  or  poison,  and  as  they  exist  or  do 
not  exist,  or  as  they  adhere  to  the  bone  or  are  detached  from  it,  so 
some  prognosis  is  vainly  attempted  by  farriers,  with  regard  to  the 
disease ;  for  in  some  few  cases  these  glands  are  not  at  all  affected, 
and  in  a  great  many  they  are  not  bound  down  by  the  affection  of 
the  jaw.  As  there  are  many  diseases  which  exci,te  a  secretion  of 
matter  from  the  nose,  and  which  is  kept  up  a  considerable  time  ;  sc 
it  is  not  always  easy  to  detect  glanders  in  its  early  stages.  Stran- 
gles and  violent  colds,  keep  up  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils  for 
weeks  sometimes.  In  such  cases  a  criterion  may  be  drawn  from  the 
existence  of  ulceration  within  the  nose,  whenever  the  disease  has 
become  confirmed.  These  glanderous  chancres  are  to  be  seen  on 
opening  the  nostril  a  little  way  up  the  cavity,  sometimes  immediately 
opposed  to  the  opening  of  the  nostril;  but  a  solitary  chancre  should 
not  determine  the  judgment.  The  health  often  continues  good,  and 
sometimes  the  condition  also,  until  hectic  takes  place  from  absorp 
tion,  and  the  lungs  participate,  when  death  .soon  closes  the  scene. 

73.  Tke  treatment  of  glanders,  it  has  been  already  stated,  is  so 
uncertain  that  it  is  hardly  worth  the  attempt ;  however,  when  the 
extreme  value  of  the  horse  or  the  love  of  experiment  leads  to  it,  it 
may  be  regarded  as  fixed  by  experience,  that  nothing  but  a  long 
course  of  internal  remedies,  drawn  from  the  mineral  acids,  can  effect 
it.  These  have  been  tried  in  their  endless  variety  :  White  recom- 
mends the  mildest  preparations  of  mercury,  cBthiops  mineral ;  under 
the  conviction  that  the  more  acrid  preparations  disturb  the  powers 
of  the  constitution  so  much,  as  to  destroy  as  effectually  as  the 
disease.  At  the  veterinary  college  the  sulphate  of  copper  (bluo 
vitriol)  has  been  long  in  use.  Others  have  used  the  sulphates  oj 
^ron  and  zinc.  Clark  recommends  the  daily  administration  of  a 
rlrink  or  ball,  composed  of  the  following  ingredients :  snlphute  of 
zinc,  15  grains;  powdered  cantharides,  7  grains;  powdered  alL 
gpice,  15  grains;  of  which  he  gives  one  or  two  extraordinary 
pi  oofs  of  utility. 

74.  The  farcy  is  a  disease  more  easily  cured  than  the  glanders 
«>f  winch  ou'-  daily  experience  convmces  us  ;  farcy,  or  farci?i  attack* 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  229 

«in«ler  flistinct  forms,  one  of  which  affects  the  lymphatics  of  the  skin 
and  is  called  the  hud  or  button  jarcy ;  tlie  other  is  principally  con- 
ftned  to  the  hind  legs,  which  it  affects  by  large  indurations,  attended 
with  heat  and  tenderness.  A  mere  dropsical  accumulation  of  water 
jn  the  legs  sometimes  receives  the  name  of  water  farcy ;  but  this 
has  no  connexion  whatever  with  the  true  disease  in  question  :  farcy 
is  very  contagious,  and  is  gained  from  either  the  matter  of  farcy  or 
from  that  of  glanders.  ^ 

75.  Treatment  of  farcy.  The  distended  lymphatics  or  buds  may 
often  be  traced  to  one  sore,  which  was  the  originally  inoculated 
part,  and  in  these  cases  the  destruction  of  this  sore,  and  that  of  all 
the  farcied  buds,  will  frequently  at  once  cure  the  disease,  which  is 
here  purely  local.  But  when  the  disease  has  proceeded  further, 
tlie  virus  must  be  destroyed  through  the  medium  of  the  stomach ; 
although  even  in  these  cases,  the  cure  is  rendered  more  speedy  and 
certain,  destroying  all  the  diseased  buds,  by  caustic  or  by  cautery 
Perhaps  no  mode  is  better  than  the  dividing  them  with  a  sharp  firing 
iron ;  or  if  deeper  seated,  by  opening  each  with  a  lancet,  and  touching 
the  inner  surface  with  lapis  infernalis.  The  various  mineral  acids 
may  any  of  them  be  tried  as  internal  remedies  with  confidence ; 
even  losing  sight  of  the  necessity  of  watching  their  effects  narrowly, 
and  as  soon  as  any  derangement  of  the  health  appeai-s,  to  desist 
from  their  use  ;  oxmuriate  of  quicksilver  (corrosive  sublimate)  may 
be  given  in  daily  doses  of  fifteen  grains ;  oxide  of  arsenic  may  also 
be  given  in  similar  doses.  The  subacetate  of  copper  (verdigris)  may 
also  be  tried,  often  with  great  advantage,  in  doses  of  a  drachrr: 
daily.  Blaine  joins  these  preparations,  and  strongly  recommends 
the  following  :  oxmuriate  of  quicksilver,  oxide  of  arsenic,  subacetate 
of  copper,  of  each  eight  grains ;  sublimate  of  copper,  one  scruple  ; 
make  into  a  ball  and  give  every  morning,  carefully  watching  the 
effects,  and  if  it  be  found  to  occasion  distress,  divide,  and  give  half, 
night  and  morning.  The  same  author  professes  to  have  received 
great  benefit  from  the  use  of  the  following:  expressed  juice  oj 
elevers,  or  goose-grass,  a  strong  decoction  of  hempsecd  and  sassafrss, 
of  each  six  ounces;  to  be  given  after  the  ball.  It  remains  to  say, 
that  whatever  treatment  is  pursued  will  be  rendered  doubly  effica- 
cious if  green  meat  be  procured,  and  the  horse  be  fed  wholly  on  it, 
provided  the  bowels  will  bear  such  food ;  but  if  the  medicines  gripe, 
by  being  joined  with  green  food,  add  to  the  diet  bean-meal.  When 
green  meat  cannot  be  procured,  carrots  usually  can;  and  when 
tliey  cannot,  still  potatoes  may  be  boiled,  or  the  oats  may  be  speared 
oi  malted.  As  a  proof  of  the  beneficial  effects  of  green  meat,  a 
horse,  so  bad  with  farcy  as  to  be  entirely  despaired  of,  was  drawn 


'^30  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

iiito  a  field  of  tares,  and  nothing  morf5  was  done  to  him,  nor  further 
notice  taken  of  him,  although  so  ill  as  to  be  unable  to  rise  from  the 
ground  when  drawn  there.  By  the  time  he  had  eaten  all  the  tares 
within  his  reach,  he  was  enabled  to  struggle  for  more;  and  finally 
he  rose  to  extend  his  reach,  and  perfectly  recovered. 


Diseases  of  me  Extremities. 

76.  Shoulder  strains,  are  very  rare  ;  most  of  the 
lameness  attributed  to  the  shoulder  belong  to  other 
parts,  and  particularly  to  the  feet.  Out  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  cases  of  lameness  before,  Blaine  found  that 
three  only  arose  from  ligamentary  or  muscular  exten- 
sion of  the  shoulder,  or  rather  of  the  abductor  and 
sustaining  muscles:  when  shoulder  strain  does  happen, 
it  is  commonly  the  consequence  of  some  slip,  by  which 
the  arm  is  forced  violently  forwards.  It  is  less  to  be 
wondered  at  than  at  first  seems  probable,  that  farriers 
mistake  foot  lameness  for  shoulder  strains,  when  we 
reflect  that  a  contracted  foot  occasions  inaction,  and 
favouring  of  the  limb;  which  thus  wastes  the  muscles 
of  the  shoulder.  Seeing  that  one  shoulder  is  smaller 
than  the  other,  the  evil  is  attributed  to  that,  and  it  is 
pegged,  blistered,  swam,  and  fired,  to  the  torture  of 
the  animal  and  the  increase  of  the  foot's  contraction  by 
the  confinement.  In  real  shoulder  strains,  the  toe  is 
dragged  along  the  ground  while  in  motion ;  at  rest  it 
is  planted  forward,  but  resting  on  the  point  of  the  toe. 
When  the  lameness  is  in  the  foot,  the  horse  points  his 
foot  forward  also,  but  he  does  so  with  the  whole  limb 
unbent,  and  the  foot  flat.  These  diflerences  ai;e  highly 
necessary  to  be  attended  to,  as  well  as  the  peculiar  dif- 
ficulty there  is  in  moving  down  hill,  which  he  does 
with  reluctance,  and  bv  swinfrini^  his  leer  round  to 

•'  CD         CD  O 

avoid  flexing  it.  This  lameness  may  be  further  brought 
!•>  the  test  by  lifting  up  the  fore  leg  (considerably,  which 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  231 

if  the  evil  be  in  the  shoulder,  will  give  evident  pain. 
Tlie  muscles  between  the  fore  legs  are  likewise  tumi- 
fied  and  tender  in  these  cases. 

77.  The  treatment  consists,  when  it  is  recent,  in  bleedinor  m  the 
plate  vein,  rowelling  in  the  chest,  and  fomenting  with  hot  water 
two  or  three  times  a  day.  When  the  heat  and  tenderness  have 
subsided,  first  bathe  daily  with  the  astringent  wash  for  strains 
(Vet.  Pha.  134,  No.  1)  for  a  week;  and  afterwards,  if  necessary, 
proceed  to  blister  in  the  usual  manner. 

78.  Strain  in  the  whirl  hone.  This  important  joint  is  sometimes 
strained,  or  its  ligaments  and  muscles  vinnaturally  extended,  frora 
a  greater  force  being  applied  to  them  than  their  structure  is  able  to 
bear,  or  their  power  to  resist ;  a  Isesion  takes  place  of  some  of  their 
fibrillsB,  or  in  lesser  injuries  their  elasticity  is  injured  by  being  put 
on  the  stretch  beyond  their  power  of  returning.  In  all  such  cases, 
the  parts  react,  and  inflammation  follovv's ;  by  Tvhich  heat,  t<^nder 
noss,  and  swelling  ensue. 

79.  Treatment.  The  first  indication  is  the  same  in  this  as  in  all 
.igamentary  strains,  which  is  to  moderate  the  inflammation  by 
fomentations,  &c.  «Stc.,  and  when  that  has  subsided,  to  endeavour 
by  astringents  and  bracers  to  restore  the  tone  of  the  parts ;  atter 
which,  if  any  swelling  remains,  from  the  extravasated  blood  be- 
coming  organised,  to  promote  its  absorptions  by  mercurial  frictions, 
and  blistering.  This  applies  to  all  strains,  and  will  direct  tlie 
treatment  therefore  of  that  of  strain  in  the  articulation  of  the  tlugb 
with  the  body  also. 

80.  Strain  in  the  stifle,  is  treated  in  the  same  manner. 

81.  Strain  or  clap  in  the  back  sinews.  This  is  generally  an  injury 
done  to  the  sheaths  of  the  tendons,  or  of  the  ligaments  which  oind 
them  down.  In  very  aggravated  cases,  it  sometimes  occurs  that 
even  the  tendons  themselves  are  extended  beyond  their  capacity. 
The  heat,  swelling,  and  tenderness,  are  first  to  be  combatted  by 
fomentations,  and  if  this  be  extreme,  bleed  also,  and  give  a  dose  of 
jfihysic.  Next  proceed  to  poultice  with  saturnine  applications,  until 
the  heat  and  swelling  are  reduced :  then  use  tonics,  astringent 
wash,  (Vet.  Pha.  134,  No.  1  or  2,)  bandage  and  exercise  very 
carefully.  If  swelling  remain  after  heat,  pain,  and  lameness  are 
past ;  or  when  lameness  only  remains,  after  all  heat  is  gone,  pro 
i^ad  to  blister  mildly  twice      In  all  eases  of  r^amentp.ry  extension 

21 


232  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

when  i\\r  heat  has  subsided,  the  part  may  be  considered  as  in  a  state 
of  atony;  and  bandages  judiciously  applied  are  then  proper,  par 
ticularly  during  the  day. 

82.  Rupture  of  the  tendons  and  ligaments  of  the  leg.  It  is  ver\ 
seldom  that  the  tendons  themselves  are  ruptured,  but  the  suspensory 
ligaments  are  more  often  so,  and  the  evil  is  called  breaking  down. 
It  is  usually  very  sudden,  and  the  fetlock  is  brought  almost  to  the 
ground.  A  perfect  cure  is  seldom  obtained  ;  but  the  inflammation 
should  be  moderated  by  the  means  already  described,  and  the  heels 
should  be,  raised.  A  laced  stocking  or  firm  bandage,  when  the 
infiamination  has  subsided,  is  necessary;  and  firing  is  often  prudent 
as  a  permanent  bandage. 

83.  Strains  of  the  ligaments  of  the  fetlock  and  coffin  joints  often 
occur,  and  may  always  be  distinguished  by  the  heat,  tenderness, 
and  swelling.  Treat  as  already  described.  In  all  strains  of  the  leg, 
attended  with  inflammation,  a  goulard  poultice  is  a  convenient 
and  useful  application.  The  goulard  water  should  be  mixed  with 
bran,  and  a  worsted  stocking  being  drawn  over  the  foot,  and  up  the 
leg,  it  is  first  tied  around  the  foot ;  the  poultice  is  then  put  in,  and 
the  stocking  fastened  around  the  leg  above  the  injury  (115.) 

84.  Mallenders  and  sallenders  are  scurfy,  scabby  eruptions,  af- 
fecting the  back  of  the  knee,  and  ply  to  the  hock  ;  common  only  in 
coarse,  low  bred,  and  in  cart  horses.  Wash  with  soft  soap  every 
day,  after  which  anoint  with  an  unguent  formed  of  equal  parts  of 
mercurial  ointment,  tar,  and  Turner's  cerate. 

85.  Broken  Knees.  The  usual  cases  oi  broken  knees  are  referable 
to  wounds  in  general ;  and  the  treatment  of  them  in  no  wise  differs 
therefrom,  with  this  caution,  that  here  it  is  more  immediately 
necessary,  both  for  appearance  and  sa:fety,  that  if  any  flap  of  skiti 
hang  apart,  to  cut  it  off",  or  the  wound  will  heal  with  rugosed  edges, 
but  when  the  joint  of  the  knee  is  broken  into  by  the  violence  ol 
the  injury,  it  becomes  of  a  very  different  nature,  and  is  known  first 
hj  the  extreme  lameness  and  swelling  that  occur ;  and  next  by  the 
escape  of  a  slippery  mucus  not  unlike  the  white  of  an  egg.  If  thia 
continue  to  escape,  violent  inflammation  follows,  and  either  the 
horse  or  the  joint  are  lost  by  it.  Farriers  are  apt  to  attempt  to  stop 
the  flow  of  the  joint  nil.  as  it  is  called,  by  oil  of  vitriol,  or  otlier 
Bscharotics,  which  treatment  is  usually  followed  by  t)ie  most  disas- 
trous consequences.  It  is  however,  necessary  to  stop  the  immediate 
«ow,  by  other  means  •  tiie  best  of  which  ip  by  a  fine  budding-iron 


illSEASES  OF  IIORSI5.  233 

heated.  Should  the  laceration  be  considerable,  this  cannot  be  done  ; 
but  the  treatment  must  then  consist  of  saturnine  poultices,  bleeding 
low  diet,  and  the  other  anti-febrile  remedies,  until  the  swelling  has 
subsided,  when  apply  tne  astringent  paste  recommended  by  Clarke, 
made  of  pipe  clay  and  alum,  every  day,  but  by  no  means  introduce 
any  escharotics.  On  the  subject  of  broken  knees,  a  prejudice  prevails, 
that  a  horse  that  has  once  broken  his  knees,  is  more  liable  to  fall 
dgain  than  a  horse  that  has  not  before  fallen  down ;  but  unless  the 
knee  be  injured  so  as  to  become  stiff  by  such  accident,  the  supposi- 
tion  is  wholly  erroneous.  Horses  fall  as  often  by  treading  on  sharp 
stones  when  they  have  corns,  as  they  do  by  stumbling  ;  and  as  corns 
sometimes  come  on  rapidly  by  pressure,  so  such  a  horse  becomes 
afterwards  liable  to  trip,  and  this  gives  rise  to  the  opinion  formed, 
hat  when  once  he  has  been  down  he  will  ever  after  be  liable  to  it. 

86.  Splints  and  hone  spavin.  The  former  are  usually  situated 
on  the  inner  side  of  the  canon  or  shank  before — and  as  they  are 
situated,  so  they  are  more  or  less  injurious.  When  buried,  as  it 
were,  within  the  tendons  or  back  sinews,  they  are  very  apt  to  lame 
the  horse  seriou&ly ;  but  when  situated  on  the  plain  bone,  unless 
they  are  very  large,  they  seldom  do  much  injury.  If  a  splint  be 
early  attended  to,  it  is  seldom  difficult  to  remove.  Blaine  recom- 
mends the  swelling  to  be  rubbed  night  and  morning  for  five  or  six 
days,  with  a  drachm  of  mercurial  ointment,  rubbing  it  well  in  ;  after 
which  to  apply  a  b.ister,  and  at  the  end  of  a  fortnight  or  three 
weeks  to  apply  anotl  er.  In  very  bad  cases  he  recommends  firing 
in  the  lozenge  form. 

87.  Bone  spavin  is  ar  exostosis  of  the  hock  bones,  the  treatment 
of  which  in  no  wise  diiVers  from  that  of  splint;  except  that  as  a 
spavin  in  general  is  mere  injurious  than  a  splint,  so  it  is  more 
necessary  to  commence  the  treatment  early,  and  to  continue  it 
energetically.  It  also  unfortunately  nappens,  that  from  the  ccm- 
plexity  of  structure  on  the  hock,  spavin  is  not  so  easily  removed  as 
splint,  and  more  usually  rev  uires  the  application  of  firing. 

88.  Ring  bone  is  of  the  sa  «e  nature,  being  an  exostosis  or  bony 
iircle,  formed  around  the  ci  Tonet,  the  treatment  of  which  is  th» 
<ame  with  splint  and  spavin. 

89.  Blood  spavin,  hog  spavin  and  thoroughpin,  are  all  of  them 
originally  of  the  nature  of  win?  galls,  and  are  nothing  more  than 
enlargements  of  the  brusal  cap  iiles  described  in  the  anatomy  as 
surrounding  tendons,  ligaments,  tnd  bones,  to  furnish  thorn  wjtb 

Q 


234  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

Ihe  lubricating  medium.  By  over  exertion  or  hard  work  thcs« 
bmsal  bags  becDme  extended,  and  their  contents  increased,  and 
distended  into  puffy  swellings  in  the  hock,  called,  when  on  the  ply, 
bog  spavin.  The  pressure  of  this  sometimes  occasions  a  varicose 
state  of  the  superficial  vein,  which  passes  directly  over  it  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  hock,  and  which  enlargement  then  receives  the 
name  of  blood  spavin.  When  the  brusal  enlargement  extendi 
through  the  hock,  it  is  called  thoroughpiu.  When  it  is  situated 
below  in  the  bursEe  of  the  flexor  tendons,  near  the  fetlock  joint,  it 
receives  the  name  of  Vv'ind  gall. 

90.  The  treatment  in  all  these  cases  must  be  similar  in  principle, 
and  consists  in  lessening  the  distended  sac — not  as  was  formerly 
practised  to  the  destruction  of  tlie  horse  often,  by  letting  out  the 
contents  of  these  wind  galls ;  but  by  strengthening  the  sides  of  the 
tumours  by  stimulants  or  by  pressure.  The  more  active  stimulants 
are  the  liquid  blister,  (Vet.  Fharm.  141,)  milder  ones  are  found  in 
the  astringent  wash.  (Vet.  Pha.  134,  No.  1.)  Bandages  assist  greatly, 
when  well  applied  to  the  part,  and  in  desperate  cases  firing  has 
been  resorted  to,  which  is  nothing  more  than  a  more  violent  stimu- 
lant and  a  more  permanent  bandage. 

91.  Capulet  is  a  bursal  enlargement  of  the  point  of  the  hock,  and 
is  to  be  treated  by  friction,  astringents  and  bandage. 

92.  Curb  is  an  inflammation  of  the  ligaments  at  the  back  of  the 
hock,  and  is  usually  removed  by  astringents.  (Vet.  Pha.  134.) 
When  it  does  not  give  way  to  these,  the  sweating  liquid  blister 
may  be  applied.  (Vet.  Pha.  142.) 

93.  Cracks  and  grease  may  be  considered  as  modifications  of  one 
and  the  same  affection,  and  are  commonly  brought  on  by  some 
neglect  in  all  horses ;  but  when  they  occur  in  any  but  the  thick- 
heeled  low  bred  animals,  they  are  invariably  so.     Over  feeding  or 
under  feeding,  but  much  more  frequently  the  former,  will  bring  it 
on.     A  very  frequent  cause  of  it  is  the  practice  of  washing  the  legs 
uf  horses  and  suffering  them  to  dry  of  themselves.     In  every  case 
without  exception,  washing  the  legs  should  be  avoided,  unless  they 
be  rubbed  perfectly  dry  afterwards.     When  horses  have  long  hairs 
about  their  heels,  and  are  washed  and  then  left  wet,  the  evil  must 
be  doubled  ;  as  the  evaporation  going  on,  cools  and  chills  the  heels, 
and  thus  produces;  a  species  of  chilblain ;  and  we  well  know  how 
iiTficult  these  are  to  heal  when  broken.     Cracks  in  the  heels  very 
»ften  occur  iji  horses  removed  too  suddenly  into  full  keep  from  pre- 
''  >us  straw  or  grasf^   ij-  from  these  to  a  hot  stable  ;  which  Ly  tiie  heal 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  235 

and  moisture  of  the  litter,  occasions  a  determination  of  blood,  and 
humours  to  the  legs,  and  they  break  out  into  cracks  or  scabs,  frorr. 
which  issue  a  bloody  ichor,  or  a  more  thick  matter.  Between  thi* 
sores  the  hair  stares  and  gets  pen  feathered,  and  the  horse  f  nd» 
difficulty  and  puin  in  moving. 

94.  The  treatment  roust  depend  on  the  state  in  which  the  aniniai 
IS  at  the  present.  If  there  be  reason  to  suspect  the  horse  to  be  full 
and  foul,  bleed,  lower  his  food,  soil  him  in  the  stable ;  or  mash  and 
give  him  a  mild  dose  of  physic.  But  wJien  some  mismanagement 
is  the  sole  cause,  remove  that,  and  if  the  case  be  a  severe  one,  by 
means  of  an  old  stocking  drawn  over  the  foot,  bury  the  whole  heel 
in  a  poultice,  made  of  scraped  carrots  or  turnips  ;  which  will  subdue 
the  irritation  and  bring  the  parts  into  a  state  to  bear  the  application 
of  the  astringent  paste,  (Vet.  Pha,  136,  No.  2,)  or  if  more  con- 
fenient,  of  the  astringent  wash,  (Vet.  Pha.  134,  No.  1  or  2.)  Mode- 
rate  exercise  should  be  continued,  and  the  heels  carefully  cleaned 
from  dirt  by  soft  soap  and  water  on  each  return  therefrom  ;  after 
which,  always  again  apply  the  astringent. 

95.  Grease  is  nothing  more  than  an  aggravated  state  of  the  same 
efFection,  and  is  more  common  to  the  hind  than  the  fore  legs. 
Coarse  fleshy  legged  horses  are  peculiarly  prcne  to  the  affection 
from  the  great  accumulation  that  takes  place  in  their  legs;  and  from 
the  difficulty  that  the  capillaries  find  in  carrying  the  increased 
quantity  of  lymph  upwards.  In  these,  long  stable  confinement 
should  be  avoided,  and  when  that  is  impossible,  it  should  be  coun- 
teracted by  exercise  frequently  and  judiciously  administered.  Many 
cart  horses  never  go  out  but  to  work  ;  they  often  work  three  days 
incessantly,  or  nearly  so ;  and  they  perhaps  rest  two  days  entirelv 
Can  it  be  wondered  at,  that  the  change  occasions  swelling,  acting 
on  the  weakness  and  exhaustion  of  previous  fatigue,  and  could  not 
this  be  avoided  by  turning  out  for  an  hour,  or  walking  for  half  an 
hour  night  and  morning  ?  stable  soiling  should  be  used ;  bleedina 
and  physicking  also  in  very  bad  cases  ;  and  when  the  inflammation 
and  iiritation  or  soreness  are  great,  the  poultices  recommended  for 
cracks,  should  be  applied  until  these  circumstances  are  removed  ; 
when  commence  the  use  of  some  of  the  astringents  recommended 
(Vei.  Pharm.  134.)  White  has  stated  two  remarkable  cases  of 
grease  cured  by  the  application  of  corrosive  sublimate  in  the  form 
of  a  wash,  as  of  two  drachms  of  sublimate  to  ten  ounces  of  water  ; 
increasing  it  to  three  drachms  if  the  pain  occasioned  by  the  first  bo 
not  too  considerable.  Blaine  says  that  the  clivers  or  goose  gras* 
\x(x&  been  known  to  be  of  great  service  in  bad  cases  of  grease  —hall 

21* 


236  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

a  pint  of  the  3xprfc«sed  juice  to  be  given  daily  as  a  drink ,  ^nd  a 
poultice  of  the  herb  to  be  applied  to  the  heels.  In  some  cases  of 
'ong  standing  when  the  running  has  ceased,  a  thickened  state  of 
the  limb  remains ;  which  is  best  removed  by  firing,  and  which  like- 
wise  is  a  preventive  to  a  return. 

Diseases  of  the  Feet. 

96.  Founder  of  the  feet  is  of  two  Jcinds,  an  acute  and  a  chronic 
Actite  founder  is  a  disease  that,  until  lately,  was  less  understood 
than  almost  any  other.  After  a  very  severe  day's  work,  or  when 
very  much  heated,  if  a  horse  get  a  sudden  chill  by  sta^nding  in  snow 
or  cold  water,  it  is  not  uncommon  for  him  to  be  seized  with  universal 
stiffness,  and  every  symptom  of  great  fever.  Such  a  horse  is  said 
to  be  body  foundered.  By  degrees,  however,  it  is  observed  that  the 
animal  has  an  extreme  disinclination  to  remain  on  his  feet ;  from 
whence  it  will  appear  that  the  whole  of  them  are  affected,  when  the 
norse  draws  his  hind  feet  under  him,  his  fore  only  are  affected,  and 
when  he  draws  his  fore  feet  under  him  his  hinder  feet  are  the  seat 
of  the  complaint;  but  which  is  seldom  the  case.  On  feeling  the 
feet  they  will  be  foand  intensely  hot,  and  the  pastern  arteries  beat 
with  great  violence.  After  a  few  days,  unless  the  disease  abate,  a 
separation  of  the  hoofs  from  the  coronet  takes  place,  and  at  last 
they  fall  entirely  off. 

97.  The  treatment.  At  the  commencement  of  the  diseas-e  bleed 
largely,  as  well  by  the  neck  as  from  the  toe  of  each  affected  foot, 
by  paring,  until  the  blood  flows  freely.  After  which  immerse  each 
foot  in  a  goulara  poultice  (il5,)  give  the  fever  powder  or  drink, 
{Vet.  Pha.  157  «&  158,)  litter  up  to  the  belly;  and  if  amendment 
do  not  take  place,  renew  the  bleedings,  and  blister  round  tho 
pasterns. 

98.  Chronic  founder,  contraction  or  fever  in  the  feet.  The  arti- 
ficial  life  that  horses  lead,  subjects  them  to  many  diseases ;  one  of 
the  principal  of  which  is  that  of  contracted  feet.  Blaine  considers 
a  neglect  of  sufficient  paring  of  the  hoof,  the  application  of  artificial 
heat  from  hot  stables,  and  hot  litter,  the  deprivation  of  natural 
moisture,  constitutional  liability,  and  the  existence  of  thrushes,  as 
among  the  principal  causes  of  this  evil.  It  is  more  common  among 
blood  horses,  than  to  others,  and  he  observes,  that  dark  chesnuts 
are  of  all  others  most  prone  to  it. 

99  The  treatment  of  contraction  in  the  feet.  It  is  better  to  pre- 
rnni;  than  to  oe  under  the  necessity  of  attempting  to  euro  tho  «-?iU 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  ^      237 

Prevention  may  be  practised  by  avoiding  the  acting  causes.  As 
soon  as  at  all  suspected  to  be  likely  to  occur ;  keep  the  hoofs  pared 
low;  never  suffer  the  horse  to  stand  on  litter,  nor  allow  the  stable 
to  be  too  hot;  feed  moderately,  and  never  allow  tlie  horse  to  ^o 
without  daily  exercise ;  whatever  increases  the  general  fulness  of 
habit  flies  to  the  feet.  Above  all,  keep  the  feet  moist  by  means  o. 
wet  cloths  tied  closely  around  the  coronet,  falling  over  the  whole 
hoof,  but  not  extending  beyond  the  edge.  Then  moisten  repeatedly, 
and  stop  the  feet  (166)  every  night.  When  contraction  has  alread}' 
taken  place,  many  plans  have  been  recommended  ;  as  jointed  shoes, 
by  Coleman,  Clark,  and  others,  but  it  is  not  found  that  mechanical 
expansion  in  this  way  produces  permanent  benefit.  The  most 
effectual  mode  is  to  obviate  all  previous  causes  of  contraction  ;  and 
then  to  thin  the  hoofs  around  the  heels  from  each  quarter  so  thin  as 
to  be  able  to  produce  an  impression  by  means  of  the  thumb ;  in  fact, 
to  remove  so  much  of  the  horn  as  is  consistent  with  safety,  from 
the  coronet  downwards.  It  is  also  prudent  to  put  in  a  score  or  two 
from  above  downwards,  drawn  a  quarter  of  an  inch  deep  on  each 
side  towards  the  front  of  the  hoof;  but  whether  this  be  done  or  not, 
the  front  of  the  hoof  should  be  rasped  thin  about  an  iuch  in  vadth ; 
by  which  means  a  hinge  is  formed,  which  operaceu  most  advanta- 
geously in  opening  the  heels.  After  this  is  done,  lips  should  be  put 
on,  and  the  horse  should  he  turned  out  *o  grass,  where  he  should 
remain  three  months,  by  which  time  the  new  formed  heels  will  have 
reached  the  ground,  and  will  bear  a  shoe. 

100.  The  pumiced  foot  is  a  very  common  consequence  of  acute 
founder,  in  which  the  elasticity  of  the  laminae  becoming  destroyed 
the  support  of  the  coffin  bone  is  removed,  and  it  rests  wholly  on  ths 
sole,  which  it  gradually  sinks  from  a  concave  to  a  convex  surfiice, 
drawing  with  it  the  front  of  the  hoof  inwards.  In  weak,  broad 
heavy  feet,  this  evil  comes  on  sometimes  without  founder ,  the 
treatment  can  only  be  palliative,  a  wide  webbed  shoe  exactly  fitted 
lo  the  foot,  without  at  all  pressing  on  it,  prevents  the  lamenesa 
consequent  to  the  disease,  a  shoe  exactly  the  contrary  to  this  has 
been  tried  in  some  cases  with  benefit,  the  form  of  which  lias  been 
one  with  a  web  so  narrow  as  only  to  cover  the  crust,  but  so  thirt 
as  to  remove  the  feet  from  accidental  pressure.  In  other  cases,  no 
shoe  answers  so  well  as  a  strong  bar  shoe. 

.  101.    Corns  are  most  troublesome  aliments,  to  which  ho/?fls  arc 

ery  liable,  and  which  injure  and  ruin  thousands ;  they  are  wholly 

accidental ;  no  horse  having  any  peculiar  tendency  to  them,  bm 

bfting  always  brought  on  them  by  some  improper  pressure,  usuaiif 


238  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

of  the  shoe  or  from  something  getting  between  the  shoe  and  tne 
borny  heel.  A  shoe  toe  /bng  worn  is  a  very  common  cause,  and  a 
still  more  frequent  one  if  tha  clubbing  the  heels  of  the  shoe  ;  neithei 
4S  it  necessary  to  the  production  of  corns  that  the  shoe  itself  should 
press  :n  the  sole ;  but  they  are  equally  produced  when  the  outer 
horn  of  the  heels  or  of  the  bars,  is  the  immediate  offending  part- 
rendered  so  by  two  luxuriant  growth,  by  unequnl  wear,  or  by 
secondary  pressure  from  the  shoe,  or  by  gravel  working  in.  It  is 
the  fleshy  sole  itself  that  is  bruised,  from  which  a  speck  of  extra- 
vasated  blood  follows,  and  if  not  immediately  relieved  it  gathers,  or 
the  part  becomes  habitually  defective,  and  instead  of  forming  healthy 
horn,  it  always  afterwards  forms  a  spongy  substance  of  extreme 
sensibility,  and  thus  always  is  liable  to  produce  pain  and  lameness 
when  exposed  to  pressure. 

102,  The  treatment  of  corns  is  seldom  difficult  or  uns^jiccessful 
at  their  first  appearance,  but  afterwards  it  can  be  only  palliative. 
Blaine  directs  that  by  means  of  a  fine  drawing  knife  every  portion 
of  diseased  horn  should  be  pared  away,  and  the  extravasation  under- 
neath likewise.  Having  done  this,  he  advises  to  introduce  some 
butter  of  antimony  into  the  opening,  to  place  over  this  some  tow, 
which  should  be  kept  in  its  place  by  means  of  a  splint.  If  any 
contraction  of  the  heels  l«  present  it  will  materially  assist  the  cure 
to  lower  them,  and  .o  iiin  the  hoof  a  little  around  the  quarters,  and 
afterwards  to  put  on  a  shoe  without  heels  opposed  to  the  corn,  or 
a  shoe  chambered  opposite  the  weak  part:  or  a  bar  shoe  may  bo 
applied  so  framed  as  completely  to  leave  tlie  heel  untouched.  Intro- 
duce the  butter  of  antimony  once  or  twice  more,  with  the  interval 
of  two  days  between,  and  then  turn  the  horse  out  to  grass  ;  in  about 
six  weeks  time  the  foot  will  be  sound.  The  treatment  of  corns, 
when  of  long  standing,  does  not,,  materially  differ :  for  although 
they  are  never  wholly  eradicated,  they  may  be  rendered  but  little 
troublesoL^e.  The  diseased  part  must  be  carefully  pared  out  at  each 
shoeing,  anc  «uch  a  shoe  put  on  as  will  completely  free  the  heel 
from  pressurb 

103.  Running  thrush  is  always  a  dangerous  disease,  and  few 
errors  m  horse  management  are  more  glaring  than  the  common  one 
of  supposing  they  are  necessary  to  carry  off  humours.  If  less  food, 
more  exercise,  cool  stables,  and  dry  standings,  were  substituted  to 
correct  the  fulness,  instead  of  thrushes,  which  invariably  contract 
the  feet  whenever  they  continue  any  length  of  time,  it  would  save 
many  valuable  horses.  To  the  cure,  begin  by  cleaning  out  all  the 
hssu"e$i  of  the  frog  from  loose  ragged  hern,  and  thun  introduce  to 


DISEASES  OF  HORSES.  23H 

the  bottom  of  the  sinuses,  by  neans  of  a  thin  piece  ^i  wood,  some 
of  the  thrush  paste  {Vet.  Fharm.  133,)  smeared  on  tow,  which  w'i 
enable  it  to  be  held  within  the  cleft,  especially  if  it  be  guarded  by 
splints  of  wood  passed  under  the  shoe ;  renew  the  dressing  daily ; 
turning  out  to  grass  may  be  practised  to  great  advantage  for  thrushes 
by  this  mode  of  dressing. 

104.  Sand  cracks  are  fissures  in  the  hoofs,  commonly  of  mose 
before,  and  usually  towards  the  inner,  but  now  and  tlien  toWards 
the  outer  quarter  also,  from  above  downwards :  from  the  crack,  a 
little  oozing  of  blood  or  moisture  is  seen  ;  and  the  sensible  parts 
underneath  getting  between  the  edges  of  horn,,  being  pressed  on, 
lame  the  horse.  White  recommends  to  fire  the  fissure  crossways, 
so  as  to  destroy  the  connection  between  the  divided  and  undivided 
parts  of  the  hoof. 

105.  Pricks  or  punctures  of  the  feet  are  often  very  serious  evils, 
either  when  received  by  nails  in  shoeing,  or  by  one  picked  up  in  the 
road,  &c.  The  danger  arises  from  inflammation,  which  is  always 
great  from  any  injury  done  to  the  sensible  and  viscular  parts  within 
the  foot.  This  inflammation  quickly  proceeds  to  suppuration  ;  and 
the  matter  is  apt  to  make  its  way  upwards,  unless  it  find  a  ready 
vent  below.  When  it  does  not  break  out  at  the  coronet,  it  will 
often  penetrate  under  the  sole,  and  finally  disease  the  bones,  liga. 
ments,  or  cartilages,  and  produce  quitter.  It  is  very  seldom  that  a 
horse  is  pricked  in  shoeing,  but  that  the  smith  is  aware  of  it  by  the 
peculiarity  of  the  feel  on  the  hammer,  and  by  the  flinching  of  the 
animal.  At  such  times  were  he  to  immediately  draw  the  nail  a  little, 
enlarge  the  opening,  and  introduce  some  spirit  within  the  puncture, 
nothing  would  occur ;  but  on  the  contrary,  he  sends  the  horse  home 
to  avoid  trouble,  who,  the  next,  or  following  day,  is  found  lame, 
with  his  foot  hot,  if  the  nail  be  not  driven  too  near  the  sensible 
laminae,  it  will  only  require  to  be  removed  to  free  the  horse  from  his 
evil ;  but  if  it  have  been  driven  through,  and  have  wounded  them, 
then  suppuration  ensues,  and  on  examining  the  foot  by  the  pincers 
when  the  shoe  is  removed,  he  will  flinch  at  the  pressure  on  the 
diseasea  part.  \  It  is  probable,  on  the  removal  of  the  shoe  that  matter 
will  at  once  flow  out  at  the  immediate  nail  hole,  if  not,  the  drawing 
knife  will  soon  detect  the  injury.  If  the  heat  be  great,  and  instead 
of  matter,  bloody  dark  ichor  flows  out,  wrap  the  foot  up  in  a  poul 
lice ;  but  if  healthy  matter  flows  out  this  will  not  be  necessary  , 
Rometimes  it  is  requisite  to  detach  all  the  horn  that  is  underrun  b^ 
ihe  matter.  But  when  the  injury  has  not  proceeded  to  tnis  extent, 
apply  over  the  part  a  pledget  of  tow  steeped  in  friar's  balsam;  tack 


210  DISEASES  OF  HORSES. 

on  the  shoe  lightly,  and  retain  the  dressing  by  means  of  splints, 
which  are  thin  pieces  of  wood  passed  under  the  shoe ;  repeat  the 
dressing  daily,  and  avoid  moisture,  which  would  encourage  quittor 
A  nail  picked  up  on  the  road,  and  which  passes  through  the  sole 
below  or  through  the  frog,  is  to  be  treated  in  the  same  manner,  and 
also  when  the  matter  breaks  out  at  the  coronet ;  but  when  a  nail  is 
picked  up  and  penetrates  the  coffin  joint,  which  is  known  by  the 
synovia  or  joint  oil  appearing,  such  opening  should  be  immediately 
"stopped  by  paring  towards  the  wounded  joint,  and  then  applying  a 
heated  budding-iron,  not  to  the  capsular  ligament  itself,  'but  to  the 
skin  immediately  near,  it ;  if  tliis  be  inconvenient,  put  a  pledget 
dipped  in  a  little  butter  of  antimony,  just  within  the  opening,  but 
do  not  press  it  into  the  cavity  of  the  joint:  if  this  be  insufficient  to 
stop  the  flow,  but  more  particularly  if  the  original  wound  be  pene- 
trated to  the  bone,  it  is  probable  that  the  bone  itself  will  become  in 
Bome  measure  diseased,  which  is  known  by  the  rough  grating  felt  at 
the  point  of  the  probe  when  passed.  In  this  case,  enlarge  the 
opening  so  as  to  be  able  to  scrape  the  diseased  bone  away.  Bruises 
of  the  sole,  from  whatever  cause,  will  all  fall  under  some  of  these 
points  of  view,  according  as  tiie  case  may  be. 

lOG.  Quittor  and  canker  are  the  consequences  of  these  injurifs, 
when  neglected,  or  originally  extensive.  In  these  cases  either  the 
bones,  ligaments,  or  cartilages,  or  all,  become  diseased  ;  and  a  cure 
can  only  be  obtained  by  removing  the  diseased  parts  by  the  knife  or 
by  caustic. 

107.  Treads,  over-reach,  i^-c.  A  wound  on  the  coronet  is  not 
uncommon  from  one  foot  being  placed  on  the  other ;  or  the  hinder 
foot  may  strike  it,  &c.  First  wipe  away  the  dirt,  and  remove  any 
loose  edges  that  cannot  unite ;  avoid  washing,  unless  stones  and 
dirt  are  suspected  to  be  within,  and  bind  up,  having  first  placed 
over  the  wound  a  pledget  of  lint  or  tow  moistened  with  balsamic 
tincture,  or  tincture  of  myrrh,  or  of  aloes  6lc.  Over. reaching,  or 
over-stepping,  is  often  an  injury  done  to  tne  fetlock  joint  before,  by 
the  hinder  foot,  or  to  the  back  sinew  higher  up.  Sometimes  it  is 
pimply  a  violent  bruise,  at  others  the  laceration  is  extensive,  in  which 
case  treat  as  a  tread ;  and  when  no  laceration  has  taken  place  treat 
as  a  bruise  or  strain 

108.  Cutting  is  a  defect  to  which  some  horses  are  liable  from 
their  form,  as  when  they  turn  their  toes  out,  or  have  bent  legs. 
Others  cut  only  when  they  are  lean,  which  brings  their  legs  nearer 
together.     Weak  horses  cut  because  thev  cross  tlieii   legs  wben 


VETERINARY   OPERATIONS.  21 J 

'atigtied,  and  young  tinfurnislied  horses  cut  at  youthful  periods  and 
irrow  out  of  it  afterwards.  The  part  in  which  a  foot  interferes  with 
tlie  opposed  limb  is  very  different.  When  it  strikes  the  shank  hig^h 
up  it  is  called  speedy-cut,  and  is  best  remedied  by  wearing  knei> 
boots  or  rollers.  When  it  is  at  the  fetlock  the  cutting  is  at  the  side, 
or  rather  backward,  according  to  circumstances.  Some  horses  cut 
by  the  side  of  the  shoe,  others  by  the  hoof  at  the  quarters  ;  and  some 
by  the  point  of  the  heels.  It  is  to  be  remarked,  that  it  is  better  to 
[)ut  up  with  the  evil  of  cutting,  than  to  do  as  is  too  frequently  done, 
wliich  is,  to  pare  away  the  hoof  until  it  excites  contraction.  The 
siioe  nip.y  be  feather  edged,  or  may  be  set  a  little  within  the  cutting 
quarter ;  but  by  no  means  alter  the  size  or  form  of  the  hoofs  them, 
selves,  and  particularly  avoid  taking  liberties  of  this  kind  with  the 
fore  feet.  Boots  or  rollers,  are  but  little  trouble  to  put  on,  and 
wlien  not  buckled  too  tight  never  injure  :  whereas  to  allow  a  horse 
to  continue  to  cut  produces  a  callus,  and  often  throws  the  animal 
down. 


-**hQ^9*^~ 


VETERINARY  OPERATIONS. 

109.  The  general  practises  to  be  here  enumerated 
are  chiefly  the  treatment  of  wounds,  the  application  of 
fomentations,  setons,  blisters,  clysters,  and  physicking, 
and  the  operation  of  castrating,  nicking,  bleeding,  &c 

Treatment  of  JVounds. 

110.  A  wound  must  be  treated  in  some  measure  according  to  the 
part  of  the  horse's  body  in  which  it  happens :  but  there  are  some 
principles  to  be  observed  alike  in  all  horse  surgery.  There  are 
likewise  a  few,  \vhich,  as  they  differ  from  the  principles  of  humar 
Kurgery,  should  be  first  noticed,  and  which  should  guide  the  p!ac 
tice  of  those  who  might  be  misled  by  analogy.  The  wounds-  o< 
horses,  however  carefully  brought  together  and  confined  in  their 
Bituation,  as  well  as  shut  out  from  the  stimulus  of  the  externa,  air 
are  seldom  disposed  to  unite  at  once,  or  as  it  is  called  in  surgica? 
language,  by  the  first  intention.  It  is  always,  therefore,  neces^arv 
lo  expect  the  supnurative  process  ;  but  as  the  adhesive  inflammaiion 


2V2  VETERINARY  OPERATIONS. 

does  now  and  then  occur,  we  should  never  wash  with  water  ^r 
other  liquids  a  mere  laceration,  if  no  foreign  matter,  as  dirt,  &o.  oe 
suspected  to  be  lodged  within  it,  still  less  should  we  stuff  it  with 
candle  or  tents  of  any  kind.  On  the  contrary,  it  should  be  care- 
fully  and  smoothly  brought  together,  and  simply  bound  up  in  ita 
own  blood ;  and  if  it  do  not  wholly  unite  at  once,  and  by  the  first 
intention,  perhaps  some  portion  of  it  may ;  and  at  all  events,  its 
future  progress  will  be  more  natural,  and  the  disfiguration  less  than 
when  stuffed  with  tents,  tow,  &c.  or  irritated  with  heating  oils  or 
spirits.  When  an  extensively  lacerated  wound  takes  place  it  is 
common,  and  it  is  often  necessary  to  insert  sutures,  or  stitches, 
into  the  lips  of  the  wound  :  and  here  we  have  to  notice  another 
cons'iderable  variation  from  the  principles  of  human  inflammation, 
which  is,  that  these  stitches  in  the  horse,  ox,  and  dog,  soon  ulcerate 
out,  seldom  remaining  longer  than  the  third  or  fourth  day  at  far- 
thest. It  therefore  is  the  more  necessary  to  be  careful,  that  by 
perfect  rest,  and  the  appropriation  of  good  bandages  we  secure  the 
wound  from  distortion.  In  this  we  may  be  assisted  by  strips  of 
sticking  plaster,  made  with  diachylon  and  pitch ;  but  these  strips 
should  be  guarded  from  touching  the  wound  itself  by  means  of  lint 
or  tow  first  put  over  it.  When  in  addition  to  laceration  in  a  wound, 
there  is  a  destruction  of  substance,  then  the  caution  of  washing  will 
not  apply,  as  it  will  be  necessary  to  bathe  with  some  warming  spirit, 
as,  tincture  of  myrrh,  tincture  of  aloes,  or  friar's  balsam,  to  assist  in 
restoring  the  life  of  the  part,  and  in  preventing  mortification. 
Bleeding  must  be  stopped  by  pressure  and  astringents,  as  powdered 
alum;  when  it  is  very  considerable  the  vessel  from  whence  the 
blood  comes  must  be  taken  up.  When  great  inflammation  follows 
wounds  or  bruises,  counteract  it  by  bleeding,  a  cooling  temperature, 
pening  medicines,  and  continual  fomentations  to  the  part  itself 

Balls  and  Dinnks. 

111.  Mode  of  giving  a  hall.  BaciC  the  horse  in  his  stall,  and 
heing  elevated  on  a  stool,  (not  a  bucket  turned  upside  down,)  gently 
draw  the  tongue  out  of  the  mouth,  so  as  to  prevent  its  rising  to 
resist  the  passage  of  the  hand  :  the  tongue  should  however  not  be 
laid  hold  of  alone,  but  it  should  be  held  firmly  by  the  fingers  of  the 
»eft  hand  against  the  jaw.  The  ball  previously  oiled  should  be 
•aken  into  the  right  hand,  which  should  be  squeezed  into  as  narrow 
•a  shape  as  possible,  must  be  passed  up  close  to  the  roof  of  the  mouth. 
»ind  the  ball  placed  on  the  root  of  the  tongue,  when  botn  hands 
being  withdrawn,  it  will  readily  pass  down.  This  mode  is  much 
^referable,  when  a  person  is  at  all  handy,  to  using  a  bailing  iron. 


VETERIISAKY  OPERATIONS.  *24t> 

112.  Mode  of  giving  a  drink.  Exactly  the  same  process  is  pui 
sued,  except  tfiat  a  horn  holding  the  liquid  matter  is  forced  up  the 
mouth ;  the  passage  being  raised  beyond  the  level  line,  the  liquid  is 
poured  out  from  the  larger  end  of  the  horn,  and  when  the  tongue  i& 
loosened  it  is  swallowed.  Clark,  however,  ingeniously  proposes  to 
eubstitute  the  smaller  end  of  the  horn,  the  larger  being  closed,  by 
which,  he  says,  the  horn  can  be  forced  up  the  mouth  between  the 
teeth,  and  poured  farther  back  so  as  to  ensure  its  not  returning. 

Fomentations  and  Poultices. 

113.  Fomentations  are  very  commonly  recommended  of  varioua 
herbs,  as  rhue,  chamomile,  St.  John's  wort,  wormwood,  bay  leaves, 
&c.  but  the  principal  virtue  is  tu  be  found  in  warmth  and  moisture, 
which  unload  the  vessels ;  but  this  warmth  ought  not  to  be  too  con- 
siderable,  except  when  the  inflammation  is  within,  as  in  inflamed 
bowels.  Here  we  foment  to  stimulate  the  skin,  and  cannot  foment 
too  hot ;  but  when  we  do  it  at  once  to  an  inflamed  part,  it  ought  not 
to  be  more  than  of  blood  heat ;  and  it  should  be  continued  long,  ana 
when  removed  the  part  should  be  dried  or  covered,  or  cold  may  be 
taken,  and  the  inflammation  increased  instead  of  diminished.  Ano 
dyne  fomentations  are  made  of  poppy  heads  and  of  tobacco,  and  ara 
frer'iently  of  great  use. 

114.  The  method  of  applying  fomentations  is  conveniently  done  by 
means  of  two  large  woollen  cloths  wrung  out  of  the  heated  liquors  . 
as  one  is  cooling  the  other  should  be  ready  to  be  applied. 

115.  Poultices  act  in  the  same  way  as  fomentations  in  allaying 
irritation  and  inflammation ;  but  are  in  other  respects  more  conve 
nient  because  they  act  continually.  It  is  an  error  to  suppose  that 
Doultices,  to  be  beneficial,  should  be  very  hot;  however  hot  they 
-xidi^  be  applied,  they  soon  become  of  the  temperature  of  the  sur- 
rounding parts.  When  poultices  are  applied  to  the  extremities,  a 
stocking,  as  has  been  before  stated,  is  a  convenient  method  of  appli- 
cation. When  it  is  drawn  over  the  leg  and  bound  around  the  lower 
part  of  the  hoof,  or  of  the  pastern,  or  otherwise,  the  mattei  of  the 
poultice  may  be  put  within,  and  it  may  be  then  kept  in  its  situation, 
if  high  up  on  the  extremity,  by  means  of  tape  fastened  to  one  part 
of  it,  and  passed  over  the  withers  or  back  to  the  other  side,  ami 
again  fastened  to  the  stocking.  In  this  way,  also,  loose  oanuagea 
may  be  retained  from  slipping.  Cold  poultices  are  often  useful  in 
the  inflammations  arising  from  strains,  &.c.  In  these  cases  bran 
a-.cd  goulard  water  fonn  a  convenient  medium ;  but  when  the  poiii 

22 


244  VETERINARY  OPERATIONS. 

lice  is  necessarily  hot,  a'Jttle  linseed  meU  added  to  the  bran  wil 
render  it  adhesive,  and  give  it  consistence.  It  is  a  very  necessary 
caution  in  this,  as  in  every  instance  where  bandages  are  wanted 
around  the  extremities,  to  have  them  broad,  and  only  so  tight  as  to 
iSiicure  the  matters  contained,  as  in  a  poultice,  or  as  in  common 
bandaging.  It  is  often  supposed  that  "  as  strong  as  a  horse,"  de- 
notes that  nothing  can  be  too  strong  for  him,  nor  any  means  too 
violent  to  hurt  him.  The  horse,  on  the  contrary,  is  one  or  the 
most  tender  animals  alive :  and  a  string  tied  very  tight  round  the 
leg  would  occasion  first  a  falling  off  of  the  hoc  f,  next  a  mortification 
of  the  rest  of  the  limb,  and  lastly  the  death  of  the  animal;  and 
all  this  as  certainly  as  though  he  were  shot  with  a  bullet  through 
kXie  head. 

Setons  and  Rowels. 

116.  Scions  are  often  useful  in  keeping  up  a  drain  to  draw  what 
are  termed  humours  from  parts  ;  or  by  their  irritations  on  one  part, 
they  lessen  the  inflammation  in  another  part  not  very  remote,  as 
when  applied  to  the  cheek  for  ophthalmia  or  inflamed  eyes.  They 
also  in  the  same  way  lessen  old  swellings  by  exciting  absorption. 
Another  useful  action  they  have  is  to  make  a  dependent  or  conve- 
nient orifice  for  the  escape  of  lodged  matter;  thus  a  seton  passed 
fiom  the  upper  pai  cf  the  opening  of  pole  evil,  through  the  upper 
pai  t  ot  the  integuments  of  the  neck,  as  low  as  the  sinuses  run,  will 
oilen  ettect  a  cure  without  further  application.  The  same  with  fistu- 
lous  withers,  wnich  sometimes  run  under  the  shoulder  blade,  and 
appear  at  the  arm  point ;  in  which  case  a  blunt  seton  needle,  of 
suhicient  length  to  be  passed  down  to  that  point,  and  to  be  then  cut 
down  upon,  will  form  the  only  efficient  mode  of  treatment.  Seton? 
may  be  passed  in  domestic  farriery,  with  a  common  packing  needlo 
and  a  skein  of  thread,  or  piece  of  tape :  but  in  professional  farriery 
they  are  made  by  a  proper  needle  armed  with  tap  ^  or  lamp  cotton, 
or  skeins  of  thread  or  silk  smeared  over  with  d.gestive  ointment 
Wlien  the  seton  needle  is  removed,  the  ends  of  the  tape  should 
be  joined  together,  or  otherwise  netted,  to  prevent  them  from 
coining  out 

11  "7.  Rowels  in  their  intention  act  as  setons,  and  as  initating  a 
.arger  surface,  so  when  a  general  drain  is  required  they  act  better , 
as  in  case  of  grease,  &c.  but  when  their  action  is  confined  to  a  part 
only,  setons  are  more  convenient.  Any  person  may  apply  a  rowel 
by  making  an  incision  in  tlie  loose  skin  about  an  inch  separating 
-vitb  tlie   finger  its  adherence  around,  and  then  inseiUng  in  the 


VETERINARY  OPERATIONS.  245 

oppning  a  piece  of  round  leather,  with  a  hole  in  the  middle,  sn^icare:? 
with  a  blistering  ointment.  Then  plug  the  opening  with  tow,  and 
in  three  days,  when  the  suppuration  has  begun,  remove  it.  Th« 
rowel  leather  is  afterwards  to  be  daily  removed  and  cjeaned. 

Blistering  and  Firing. 

■r 

118.  Blistering  answers  the  same  purposes  as  setons,  and  is  prac- 
tised  by  first  cutting  or  shaving  the  hair  from  the  part,  when  the 
blistering  ointment  (Vet.  Pha.  138.)  should  be  well  rubbed  in  for 
ten  minutes,  or  a  quarter  of  an  hour.  Some  of  the  ointment  after 
the  rubbing  may  be  smeared  over  the  part  The  head  of  the  horse 
should  now  be  tied  up  to  prevent  his  gnawing  or  licking.  If  a  neck 
cradle  be  at  hand,  it  may  also  for  safety  be  put  on ;  in  which  the 
head  may  be  let  down  the  third  day. 

119.  A  neck  cradle  for  blistered  horses  is  very  convenient  for 
other  occasions  also,  when  the  mouth  is  to  be  kept  from  licking  or 
biting  other  parts  ;  or  to  keep  other  parts  from  being  rubbed  agains* 
the  head.  It  is  of  very  simple  construction,  and  may  be  made  by  a 
dozen  pieces  of  wood  of  about  an  inch  and  half  diameter,  as  old 
broom  handles,  &c.  These  bored  at  each  end  admit  a  rope  to  pass 
through ;  and  as  each  is  passed  on,  a  knot  may  be  tied  to  the  upper 
part  of  the  pieces  of  the  cradle,  two  inches  apart ;  and  those  which 
form  the  lower  part,  four  inches ;  by  which  means  the  neck  will  bo 
fitted  by  the  cradle  when  it  is  put  on  ;  and  the  horse  will  be  pre. 
vented  from  bending  his  head  to  lick  or  gnaw  parts  to  be  protected. 
When  the  lower  parts  of  the  legs,  particularly  the  hinder,  required 
blistering,  it  is  necessary  to  bear  in  mind  that  in  gross  full  horses, 
particularly  in  autumn,  grease  is  very  apt  to  follow  blistering;  and 
almost  certainly  if  the  back  of  the  heels  below  the  fetlock  be  blis- 
tered. First,  therefore,  smear  this  part  over  with  lard  or  suet,  and 
afterwards  avoid  touching  it  with  the  ointment.  After  blistering  in 
summer,  the  horse  is  often  turned  out  before  the  blistered  parts  aiu 
quite  sound ;  in  this  case  guard  them  from  flies  by  some  kind  o* 
covering,  or  they  may  become  fly-blown  :  and  likewise  on  the  fourth 
or  fifth  day  rub  into  the  blistered  part  some  oil  or  lard  to  prevent  the 
skin  from  cracking. 

120.  Sweating  or  liquid  blisters^  (Vet.  Pha.  142,)  are  only  more 
gontle  stimulants,  which  are  daily  applied  to  produce  the  same 
effects  on  a  diseased  part  without  removing  the  hair.  Of  course  less 
activity  is  expected  ;  yet  as  the  action  is  repeated,  they  are  often 
more  beneficial  even  than  blistering  itself;  as  in  old  strains  an-d 
Mtiffnesses. 


'-24(»  VETERINARY  OrERATIONS. 

121.  Firing,  as  requiring  the  assistance  of  an  experienced  prac- 
litioner,  we  shall  not  describe;  it  will  be  prudent  only  to  point  cut 
that  it  is  a  more  active  mode  of  blistering';  and  that  it  acts  very 
powerfully  as  a  stimula,nt,  not  only  while  its  effects  last  as  blisters 
do,  !)ut  also  after  its  escharotic  effect  is  over,  by  its  pressure ;  and 
ill  this  way  it  is  that  it  operates  so  favourably  in  bony  exostosis,  ay 
splints  and  spavins ;  and  in  this  way  it  is  so  useful  in  old  ligamentary 
weaknesses ;  because  by  lessening  the  dilatability  of  the  slyn  it 
becomes  a  continual  bandage  to  the  part. 

Chjstering  and  Physlcldng. 

122.  Clystering  should  always  be  preceded  by  back-raking,  whicL 
consists  in  oiling  one  hand  and  arm,  and  passing  them  up  the  fun- 
dament, and  by  that  means  to  remove  all  the  dung  balls  that  can  be 
reached.  The  large  pewter  syringe  for  clystering,  is  neither  a  useful 
or  safe  machine.  A  much  better  consists  in  a  turned  box  pipe,  to 
which  may  be  attached  a  large  pig  or  ox  bladder,  by  which  four  or 
five  quarts  of  liquid  can  be  administered  at  one  time.  (Vet.  Pharm. 
134,  to  146.)  The  pipe  should  be  previously  oiled,  by  which  mean? 
it  passes  more  easily  :  the  liquor  should  then  be  steadily  pressed  up ; 
and  when  the  pipe  is  removed,  the  tail  should  be  held  down  over 
the  fundament  a  little  to  prevent  the  return  of  the  clyster.  In  some 
cases  of  a  spasmodic  nature,  as  gripes  and  locked  jaw,  great  force 
is  made  by  the  bowels  to  return  the  clyster,  and  nothing  but  con- 
tinued pressure  over  the  fundament  can  enable  it  to  be  retained. 
Clysters  not  only  act  in  relaxing  the  bowels,  but  they  may  be  used 
as  means  of  nutriment  when  it  cannot  be  taken  by  the  mouth ;  as 
in  locked  jaw,  wounds  of  the  mouth,  throat,  &c.  «fec.  In  locked 
jaw,  it  was  observed  by  Gibson,  that  he  kept  a  horse  alive  many 
days  by  clysters  alone ;  and  by  clysters  also,  many  medicines  may 
be  given  more  conveniently  than  by  the  mouth. 

123.  Physicking  of  horses.  It  is  equally  an  error  to  refrain 
altogether  from  giving  horses  physic,  as  it  is  to  give  it  on  every 
occasion,  as  some  do.  Neither  is  it  necessary  for  horses  to  be  bled 
and  physicked  every  spring  and  autumn,  if  they  be  in  perfect 
health,  and  the  less  so,  as  at  this  time  they  are  generally  weak  and 
*'aint  from  the  change  going  on  in  their  coats — nor  is  it  always 
necessary  to  give  to  horses  physic  when  they  come  from  grass  or  a 
utraw  yard  ;  provided  the  ch  mge  from  the  one  state  to  tlie  other  be 
very  moiierately  brought  about.  But  on  such  a  removal,  it  certamly 
pxpedites  all  the  phenomena  of  condition,  (2)  and  such  horses  are 
•ess  likely  to  fall  to  pieces,  as  it  is  termed  afterwards.  (3.)  In  various 
ajorbid  states  puysL  is  oarticularly  useful,  as  in  worms,  hide  bound. 


VETERINARY  OPERATIONS  247 

ttom  too  full  a  habit,  &c.  «fcc.  It  is  not  advisable  to  physic  horses 
in  either  very  cold  or  very  warm  weather.  Strong  physic  is  aiways 
hurtful ;  all  that  physic  can  do  is  as  well  operated  by  a  mild  as  by 
a  strong  dose,  with  iniinitely  less  hazard.  No  horse  should  be 
physicked  whose  bowels  have  not  been  previously  prepared  by 
mashing  for  two  days  at  least  before.  By  these  means  the  physic 
will  work  kindly,  and  a  moderate  quantity  only  is  requisite.  Most 
f  the  articles  put  into  the  purging  balls  for  horses,  to  assist  the 
aloes,  are  useless.  Jalap  will  not  purge  a  horse,  nor  rhubarb  either. 
Aloes  are  the  only  proper  drug  to  be  depended  on  for  this  purpose, ' 
and  of  all  the  varieties  of  aloes  the  socotorine  and  Cape  are  the  best. 
(Vet.  Pha.  1Q3.)  ^  Barbadoes  aloes  are  also  not  improper,  but  are 
thought  more  rough  than  the  socotorine.  For  formulae  of  purging 
balls,  see  Vet.  Pha.  (163.)  Blaine  gives  the  following  as  the  process: 

124.  Physicking  process.  The  horse  having  fasted  an  hour  or  two 
in  the  morning  from  food,  but  having  had  his  water  as  usual,  give 
him  his  purge,  and  two  hours  after  offer  him  a  little  chilled,  but  not 
warm  water,  as  is  often  done,  by  which  horses  are  disgusted  from 
taking  any ;  it  may  be  here  remarked  that  in  this  particular  much 
error  is  frequently  committed.  Many  horses  will  drink  water  with 
the  chill  taken  off,  provided  it  be  perfectly  clean,  and  do  not  smell 
of  smoke  from  the  fire,  kettle  or  sauce-pan  ;  but  few,  very  few,  will 
drink  warm  or  hot  water ;  and  still  fewer,  if  it  be  in  the  least  degree 
greasy  or  smoky.  After  the  ball  has  been  given  two  hours,  a  warm 
bran  mash  may  be  offered,  and  a  very  little  hay.  He  should  have 
walking  exercise  as  usual  moderately  clothed ;  and  altogether  he 
should  be  kept  rather  warmer  than  usual.  At  noon  mash  again, 
and  give  a  little  hay,  which  should  be  repeated  at  night,  giving  hira 
at  intervals  chilled  water.  On  the  following  morning  the  physic 
may  be  expected  to  work ;  which  if  it  do  briskly,  keep  the  horse 
quiet ;  but  should  it  not  move  his  bowels,  or  only  relax  them,  walk 
him  quietly  half  an  hour,  which  will  probably  have  the  desired 
effect.  Continue  to  give  mashes  and  warm  water,  repeating  them 
every  two  or  three  hours  to  support  him.  When  physic  gripes  a 
horse,  give  a  clyster  of  warm  water,  and  hand  rub  the  belly,  as  well 
as  walk  him  out.  If  the  griping  prove  severe,  give  him  four  ounces 
of  gin  in  half  a  pint  of  strong  ale,  which  will  soon  relieve  him.  On 
the  next  day  the  physic  will  probably  set,  but  should  it  continue  to 
w  ork  him  severely,  pour  down  some  boiled  starch ;  and  if  this  fail, 
turn  to  the  directions  under  diarrhcea.  (52.)  The  horse  should  returu 
to  his  asual  habits  of  feeding  and  full  exercise  by  degrees;  and  i* 
more  than  one  dose  is  to  be  given,  a  week  should  intervene.  It  ia 
often  lequisite  to  make  the  second  and  third  doses  rather  strongo' 
22* 


248  VETERINARY  OPERATIONS. 

tnan  tlie  Ilrst.  A  very  mild  dose  of  physic  is  likewise  often  o-iyen 
to  liorses  while  at  grass  in  very  warm  weather,  and  without  any 
injury.  When  worms,  or  skin  foulness  are  present,  and  mercuna. 
physic  is  deemed  necessary,  it  is  better  to  give  two  drachms  o. 
calomel  in  a  mash  the  previous  night,  than  to  put  it  into  the  pur 
ging  ball. 

Castration,  Nicking,  Docking,  SfC. 

125.  The  operations  of  castration,  docking,  nicking,  and  that  eg 
cropping,  (which  is  seldom  practised,)  all  require  the  assistance  o\ 
a  veterinary  surgeon ;  and  it  is  only  necessary  to  remark  of  them, 
that  the  after  treatment  must  be  the  same  as  in  all  other  wounds 
To  avoid  irritation,  to  preserve  a  cool  temperature  and  a  moderate 
diet ;  and  if  active  febrile  symptoms  make  their  appearance,  to 
obviate  them  by  bleeding,  &-c.  «&c.  It  likewise  is  proper  to  direct 
the  attention  of  the  aafriculturist  who  attends  to  these  matters  him- 
self,  that  the  moment  the  wound  following  any  of  these  operations 
looks  otherwise  than  healthy,  locked  jaw  is  to  be  feared,  and  no  time 
should  be  lost  in  seeking  the  best  assistance  that  can  be  obtained, 
(11.)  See  Mason,  p.  148. 

Bheding. 

126.  Bleeding  is  a  very  common,  and  to  the  horse  a  very  impor- 
tant operation,  because  his  inflammatory  diseases,  on  account  of  the 
great  strength  of  his  arterial  system,  run  to  a  fatal  termination  very 
soon  and  can  only  be  checked  in  the  rapidity  of  their  progress  by 
abstracting  blood,  which  diminishes  the  momentum  of  circulation. 
Bleeding  is  more  particularly  important  in  the  inflammatory  dis- 
eases of  the  horse ;  because  we  cannot,  as  in  the  human,  lower  the 
circulation  by  readily  nauseating  the  stomach.  Bleeding  also  lessens 
irritation,  particularly  in  the  young  and  plethoric,  or  those  of  full 
habit:  hence  we  bleed  in  spasms  of  the  bowels,  in  locked  jaw,  &-c. 
with  good  effect.  Bleeding  is  general  or  topical.  General  as  from 
the  neck,  when  we  mean  to  lessen  the  general  momentum.  Topical 
when  we  bleed  from  a  particular  part,  as  the  eye,  the  plate  vein,  the 
toe,  &c.  Most  expert  practitioners  use  a  large  lancet  to  bleed  with  ; 
and  when  the  habit  of  using  it  is  acquired,  it  is  by  far  *,he  best 
itistrument,  particularly  for  superficial  veins  v/here  a  blo"v  might 
•arry  the  fleam  through  the  vessel.  In  common  hands  the  fleam  as 
the  more  general  instrument  is  best  adapted  to  the  usoil  cases 
lequiring  the  agriculturists  notice.  Care  should,  however,  be  taken 
Motto  strike  it  with  vehemence,  and  the  hair  being  first  wotted  and 
wnoctlied   dowfi,  it  should  be  pressed  close  betweni;  the  hairs,  so 


niE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPOEIA.  24ft 

that  its  progress  may  not  be  impeded  by  tliem.  A  ligatuie  shoulrf 
jt^  be  first  passed  round  the  neck,  and  a  hand  held  over  the  eye,  unless 
the  operator  be  very  expert,  when  the  use  of  the  fingers  will  dispense 
with  the  ligature.  The  quantity  of  blood  taken  is  usually  too  small. 
In  inflammatory  diseases,  a  large  horse,  particularly  in  the  early 
stage  of  a  complaint,  will  bear  to  lose  eight  or  ten  quarts  :  and  half 
the  quantity  may  be  taken  away  two  or  three  times  afterwards,  :*rf 
the  v^iolence  of  the  symptoms  seem  to  require  it;  and  the  blood 
should  be  drawn  in  a  large  stream  to  do  all  the  good  it  is  capable  of. 
After  the  bleeding  is  finished  introduce  a  sharp  pin,  and  avoid 
drawing  the  skin  away  from  the  vein  while  pinning,  which  lets  the 
blood  escape  between  the  vein  and  skin  ;  wrap  round  a  piece  of  tow 
or  hemp,  and  next  day  remove  the  pin,  which  might  otherwise 
inflame  the  neck.  In  drawing  blood  let  it  always  be  measured ; 
letting  it  fall  on  the  ground  prevents  the  ascertaining  the  quantity  ; 
it  also  prevents  any  observation  on  the  state  of  the  blood  ;  which  if 
it  form  itself  into  a  cup-like  cavity  on  its  surface,  and  exhibit  a 
tough  yellow  crust  over  this  cavity  it  betokens  an  inflammatory 
state  of  blood  that  will  require  further  bleedings,  unless  the  weak- 
ness forbid.  After  the  bleeding,  it  now  and  then  happens  from 
rusty  lancets,  too  violent  a  stroke  with  the  blood  stick,  or  from 
drawing  away  the  skin  too  much  while  pinning  up,  that  the  orifice 
inflames  and  hardens,  and  ichor  is  seen  to  ooze  out  between  its 
edges.  Immediately  after  this  is  discovered,  recourse  must  be  had 
to  an  able  veterinary  surgeon,  or  the  horse  will  lose  the  vein,  and 
perhaps  his  life. 

THE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPCEIA. 

127.  The  following  formulce  for  veterinary  practice 
have  been  compiled  from  the  works  of  the  mostemineni 
veterinary  w^riters  of  the  present  day,  as  Blaine,  Clark, 
Laurence,  Peel,  White,  &c.;  and  v^e  can  from  our 
ov^^n  experience  also,  confidently  recommend  the  selec- 
tion to  the  notice  of  agriculturists,  and  the  owners 
of  horses  in  general.  It  would  be  prudent  for  such  as 
have  many  horses,  and  particularly  for  such  as  live  at 
a  distance  from  the  assistance  of  an  able  vetermariaM, 
to  keep  the  more  necessary  articles  by  them  in  case 

\>f  emergence  :    some  venders  of  horse  drugs  ^eep 

R 


250 


THE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


veterinary  medicine  chests :  and  where  the  compo- 
sitions can  be  depended  on,  and  the  uncompounded 
drugs  are  genuine  and  good,  one  of  these  is  a  most 
convenient  appendage  to  every  stable. 

128.  The  veterinary  pharmacopcBia  for  oxen,  calves 
and  sheep  has  been  included  in  the  arrangement. 
Where  any  speciality  occurs,  or  where  distinct  recipes 
are  requisite,  they  have  been  carefully  noticed ;  it  will 
therefore  only  be  necessary  to  be  kept  in  mind,  that 
with  the  exception  of  acrid  substances,  as  mineral 
acids,  &c.  which  no  cattle  can  bear  with  equal  impu- 
nity with  the  horse  ;  the  remedies  prescribed  require 
about  the  following  proportions :  A  large  ox  will  bear 
the  proportions  of  a  moderate  sized  horse  ;  a  moderate 
sized  cow  something  less ;  a  calf  about  a  third  of 
the  quantity  ;  and  a  sheep  about  a  quarter,  or  at  most 
a  third  of  the  proportions  directed  for  the  cov/.  It  is 
also  to  be  remarked,  that  the  degrees  in  strength  in 
the  different  recipes,  are  usually  regulated  by  their 
numbers,  the  mildest  standing  first. 


129.  Alteratives. 
1. 
Levigated  antimony,  2  drachms. 
Cream  of  tartar, 

Flour  of  sulphur,  each  half  an 
ounce. 

2. 
Cream  of  tartar, 
Nitre,  of  each  half  an  ounce. 

3. 
iEthiop's  mineral, 
Levigated  antimony, 
■  Powdered      resin,      each     three 
drachms. 

Give  in  a  mash,  or  in  oats  and 
t^-an,  a  little  wetted,  every  night, 
or  make  into  a  ball  with  honey. 

130.   Tonic  Alteratives. 
1 
t^ntian 


Aloes, 

Ginger, 

Blue  vitriol,  in  powder,  of  each 

1  drachm, 
Oak  bark  in  powder,  6  drachms. 

2. 
Winter's  bark  in  powder,  three 

drachms. 
Green  vitriol,  do.  one  and  a  half 

drachms. 
Gentian,  do.  three  drachms. 

Make    either  of  these  into  a 
ball  with  honey,  and  give  every 


morning. 


3. 


White  vitriol,  1  drachm. 
Ginger  or  pimento,  ground^  two 

drachms. 
Powdered  quassia  half  an  ounce. 
Ale  8  ounces. 

Mix  and  give  as  a  drink. 


THE    VETERINRY  PHARMACOPGEIA. 


251 


Arsenic,  10  grains, 
Off.tmoal,  1  ounce. 

Mix  and  give  in  a  mash,  or 
tnoi&iened  oats  nightly. 

-  '    :>L^^U^  . 

131.  Astringent    Mixtures   for 
Diarrhuea,  Lax  or  Scouring. 

1. 

Powdered       ipecacuanha,      one 

drachm, 
Do.  opium,  half  a  drachm. 
Prepared  chalk,  2  ounces, 
Boiled  starch,  1  pint.     ■ 

2. ^ 

Suet  4  ounces,  boiled  in 
Milk,  8  ounces, 
Boiled  starch,  6  ounces. 
Powdered  alum,  1  drachm. 

The  following  has  been  very 
Btrongly  recommended  in  some 
cases,  for  the  lax  of  horses  and 
cattle. 

3. 
Glauber's  salts  2  ounces, 
Epsom  do.  1  ounce, 
Green  vitriol  4  grains, 
Gruel,  half  a  pint. 

When  the  lax  or  scourmg  at 
all  approaches  to  dysentery  or 
molten  grease,  the  following 
druik  should  be  first  given. 

4. 
Castor  oil,  4  ounces, 
Glauber's   salts,    dissolved,    two 

ounces, 
Powdered  rhubarb,  half  a  drachm, 
Powdered  opium,  4  grains, 
Gruel,  i  pint. 

132.  Astringent  balls  foi    Dia- 
betes or  pissing  evil. 

Catechu,   [Japan  earth]  half  an 

ounce, 
Alum  powdered,  half  a  drachm, 
Sugar  of  lead,  10  grains. 

Conserve  of  roses,  to  m.iie  a 
ball. 

133.  Astringent  paste  for  thrush, 
foot-rat,  foul  in  the  ^'oot,  ^c. 


Prepared  calamine. 

Verdigris,  of  each  half  an  ounce, 

White  vitriol. 

Alum,  of  each  half  a  drachm. 

Tar,  3  ounces  .  mix 

134.  Astringent  washes  for  crackt 
in  the  heels,  wounds,  6fC, 

1. 

Sugar  of  lead,  2  drachms, 
White  vitriol,  1  drachm. 
Strong  infusion  of  oak,  or  elm 
bark,  1  pint:  mix. 

2. 

Green  vitriol,  1  drachm, 
Infusion  of  galls,  half  a  pint, 

Mix  and  wash  the  parts  three 
times  a  day.  • 

135.  Powder  for  Cracks,  ^c. 
3.  • 
Prepared  calamine,  1  ounce, 
Fuller's  earth,  powdered, 
Pipe  clay,  do.  of  each  2  ounces, 

Mix  and  put  within  gauze,  and 
dab  the  moist  surfaces  of  tiie 
sores  frequently. 

136.  Astringent  Paste  for  Grease 

1. 

Prepared  calamine,  i 

Tutty,  powdered, 
Charcoal,  do.  of  each  2  ounces. 
Yeast  enough  to  make  a  paste. 

2. 

To  the  above,  if  more  strength 
be  required,  add  of  alum  and  ver- 
digris each  a  drachm.  z 


\ 


137.  Astringent  W<ishfor  do.     -^ 
3. 
Corrosive  sublunate,  ^  drachms. 
Spirit  of  wine  or  brandy  1  ounce. 
Soft  water,  10  ounce?. 

Rub  the  sublimate  iu  a  mot 
tar  with  the  spirit  till  dissolved 
then   add   the   water.     This  is  a 
strong  preparation  and  has  often 
proved    successful   in   very   bad 


252 


THE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPlElA. 


liases  of  grease,  which  have  re- 
sisted all  the  usual  remedies. 

138.    Blisters. 

1.  A  general  one. 
Cantharides  powdered,  2  ounces, 
Venice  turpentine,  do. 
Resin,  do. 
Palm  oil  or  lard,  2  lbs. 

Melt  the  three  latter  articles, 
ogether,  and  when  not  too  hot 
tir  in  the  Spanish  flies. 

•  *     »89.    A  strong  cheap  blister,  but 
not  proper  to  be  used  in  fevers  or 
inflammations,  as  of  the  lungs, 
bowels,  ^c. 
Cuphorbium  powdered,  1  ounce, 
Oil  of  vitriol,  2  scruples, 
Spanish  flies,  6  ounces, 
Palm  oil  or  lard, 
Resin,  of  each  one  pound, 
Oil  of  turpentine,  3  ounces. 

Melt  the  resin  with  the  lard 
or  palm  oil.  Having  previously 
(nixed  the  oil  of  vitriol  with  an 
ounce  of  water  gradually,  as 
i^radually  add  this  mixture  to  the 
iielted  mass ;  which  again  set  on 
*  very  slow  fire  for  ten  minutes 
more :  afterwards  remove  the 
whole,  and  when  beginning  to 
cool,  add  the  powders  previously 
mixed  together. 

3. 

4  i40.     A    mercurial    blister,    for 
/     splints,  spavins,  and  ring  bones. 
I    Of  either  of  the  above,  4  ounces, 
1  I  Corrosive  sublimate  finely  pow- 
/        dered,  half  a  drachm. 

V—  4. 

14 J.   Strong  liquid  blister. 

Spanish  flies,  in  gross  powder,  1 

ounce. 
Oil  of  origanum,  2  drachms, 
Oil  of  turpentine,  4  ounces, 
v')live  oil,  2  ounces. 

Steep  the  flies  in  the  turpentine 
ihree  weeks,  strain  off*  and  add 
iho  oi 


5. 

142.     Mild    liquid   or  sweating 

blister. 
Of  the  above  one  ounce, 
Olive  oil   or   goose  grease,  on« 
and  a  half  ounces. 

143.  Clysters 
1.    A  laxative  one. 
Thin  gruel  or  broth,  5  quarts, 
Epsom  or  common  salts  6  ozs. 

144.  Clyster  for  Gripes. 

2. 
Mash  two  moderate  sized  onions. 
Pour  over  them  oil  of  turpent'ne. 

2  ounces. 
Capsicum  or  pepper,  half  an  oz 
Thin  gruel,  4  quarts. 

145.  Nutritious  Clyster. 

3. 
Thick  gruel,  three  quarts. 
Strong  sound  ale,  one  quart. 

Or  4. 
Strong  broth,  2  quarts. 
Thickened  milk,  2  quarts. 

146.  Astringent  Clyster. 

5. 
Tripe   liquor   or  suet  boiled    tn 

milk,  three  pints. 
Thick  starch,  2  pints. 
Laudanum,  half  an  ounce. 

Or  6. 
Alum  whey,  one  quart. 
Boiled  starch,  two  quarts. 

147.  Cordial  Balls.     ' 
Gentian  powdered,  4  ounces, 
Ginger  do.  2  ounces, 
Coriander  seeds  do.  4  ounces. 
Caraway  do.  4  ounces, 
Oil  of  aniseed,  quarter  of  an  02 
Make  into  a  mass  with  honey, 
treacle  or  lard,  and  give  an  ounce 
and  a  half  for  a  dose. 

148.  Chronic  Cough  Ball* 
1. 
Ca.omel  1  scruple 


THE  VETERINARY  PHAR3IACOP0BiA. 


253 


Gum  ammoniacum, 

Horse  radish,  of  each  2  drachms, 

Balsam  of  Tolu, 

Squills,  each  one  drachm. 

Beat  all  together,  and  make 
into  a  ball  with  honey,  and  give 
^vcry  morning  fasting. 

149.  Drink  for  the  same. 
2. 
1  ar  water, 

Lime  water,  of  each  half  a  pint. 
Tincture  of  squills,  half  an  oz. 

150.  Powder  for  the  same. 
3. 

Tartar  emetic,  2  drachms, 
Powdered      foxglove,      half      a 

drachm. 
Powdered  squill,  half  a  drachm, 
Calomel,  one  scruple, 
Nitre  3  drachms. 

Give  every  night  in  a  malt 
mash. 

151.    Diuretic  Balls. 
Resin,  yellow,  1  pound. 
Nitre  Imlf  a  pound, 
Horse  turpentine,  half  a  pound. 
Yellow  soap,  quarter  of  a  pound. 
Melt  the  resin,  soap,  and  tur- 
pentine over  a  slow  fire  ;    when 
cooling    add    the    nitre.     For    a 
strong    dose,    an    ounce   and    a 
half,  for  a  mild    one  an  ounce. 
It    should     be     kept    in    mind, 
that   mild   diuretics   are    always 
equal  to  what  is  required  ;    and 
that  strong  diuretics  are  always 
hurtful. 

152.  Diuretic  Powders. 
Fellow  resin,  powdered,  4  ozs. 
Nitre,  ditto,  8  ounces, 
Cream  of  tartar,  do.  4  ounces. 

Dose — 6,  8,  or  10  drs.  nightly, 
which  some  horses  will  readily 
eat  in  a  mash. 

153.   Urine  Drink 
Glauber's  salts,  two  ounces. 


Nitre,  6  drachms. 

Dissolve  in  a  piij<;  uf  wana 
water. 

154.    Embrocations — roourg  for 
inflammations. 
1. 
Goulard's  extract,  half  an  ounce. 
Spirit  of  wine  or  brandy  1  ouno9, 
Soft  water,  1  quart. 

2. 
Mindererus  spirit,  4  ounces, 
Water,  12  ounces. 

155.  For  Strains. 
Bay  salt,  bruised,  half  a  pound. 
Crude  sal  ammoniac,  2  ounces, 
Sugar  of  lead,  quarter  of  an  oa 
Vinegar  one  pint  and  a  half, 
Water,  one  pint. 

156.  For  the  Eyes. 

1. 
Sugar  of  lead,  1  drachm. 
White  vitriol,  2  scruples, 
Water,  1  pint. 

2. 
Brandy,  1  ounce, 
Infusion  of  green  tea,  4  ounces 
Tincture  of  opium,  2  drachms, 
Infusion  of  red  roses,  4  ounces 

3. 

Rose  water,  6  ounces, 
Mindererus  spirit,  3  ounces. 

4. 
Corrosive  sublimate,  4  grains, 
Alcohol,  1  ounce, 
Lime  water,  1  pint. 

5. 
Alum,  pov^dered,  1  drachm, 
Calomel,  half  a  drachm. 

Mix  and  insert  a  little  at  on« 
corner  of  the  eye.  Tiie  custeift 
of  blowing  n  m  alarms  the  horso 

157     Fever  Powders. 

1.    : 
Tartar  emetic,  2  drachms. 
Nitre,  5  drachms.  / 

2. 
Antimo  lial  powder,  2  dracnmou 


9.5i 


THE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


Cream  of  tartar, 

Nitre,  of  e-ach  four  drachms. 

158.  Fever  Drink. 
3. 
Sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  1  ounce, 
"Mindererus  spirit,  6  ounces, 
Water,  4  ounces. 

159.  Epidemic  Fever  Drink. 
4. 
(Sweet  spirit  of  nitre,  1  ounce, 
Simple  oxymel,  6  ounces, 
Tartar  emetic,  3  drachms. 

160    Malignant  Epidemic  Fever 

5. 
Simple  oxymel, 
Mindererus  spirit, 
Beer  yeast,  of  each  4  ounces, 
iSweet  spirit  of  nitre,  1  ounce. 

161.    Fumigations  for  purifying^ 

infected  stables,  sheds,  ^c. 
Manganese,  2  ounces, 
^Jommon  salt,  do. 
Oil  of  vitriol,  3  ounces, 
Water,  1  ounce. 

Put  the  mixed  manganese  and 
salt  into  a  bason ;  then,  having 
before  mixed  tlie  vitriol  and  wa- 
ter very  gradually,  pour  them 
by  means  of  tongs,  or  any  thing 
tliat  will  enable  you  to  stand  at 
a  sufficient  distance,  on  the  ar- 
ticles in  the  bason  gradually. 
As  soon  as  the  fumes  rise,  retire 
and  snut  up  the  door  close. 

162.    Hoof  Liquid. 
Oil  of  turpentine,  4  ounces, 
I  ar,  4  ounces. 
Whale  oil,  8  ounces. 

Thi&  softens  and  tougrhens  the 
hoofs  extremely,  when  brushed 
over  them  ni'^ht  and  morning. 

l63     Pur  sins:  Medicines. 
iialls — very  mild. 
Aloe?    powdered,  6  drachms. 
Oil  o^  turpentine,  1  drachm- 


Mild. 
Aloes,  powdered,  8  drachms 
Oil  of  turpentine,  1  drachm. 

Strong. 
Aloes,  powdered,  10  drachms. 
Oil  of  turpentine,  1  drachm. 

The  aloes  may  be  beaten  with 
treacle  to  a  mass,  adding,  during 
the  beating,  the  oil  of  turpen- 
tine.  All  spices,  cream  of  tar. 
tar,  oil  of  tartar,  jalap,  &c.  are 
useless,  and  often  hurtful  addi- 
tions. 

164.  Liquid  Purge. 
Epsom  salts,  dissolved,  8  ozs. 
Castor  oil,  4  ounces. 
Watery  tincture  of  aloes,  8  ozs. 

Mix — The  watery  tincture  of 
aloes  is  made  by  beating  pow- 
dered aloes  with  the  yelk  of 
egg,  adding  water  by  degrees  , 
by  these  means  half  an  ounce 
of  aloes  may  be  suspended  m 
8  ounces  of  water,  and  such  a 
purge  IS  useful  when  a  ball  can- 
not  be  got  down,  as  in  partial 
locked  jaw. 


165.    Scalding  Mixture  for  Poll 

Evil. 
Corrosive  sublimate,  finely  pow 

dered,  1  drachm. 
Yellow  basilicon,  4  ounces. 

166.    Foot  Stoppings. 
Horse  and  cow  dung,  each  about 
2  pounds.  Tar,  half  a  pound. 

167.     Wash  for  coring  out,  de. 

stroying  fungus,  or  proud  fleshy 

^c.  <^c. 
Lunar  caustic  one  drachm. 
Water,  2  ounces. 

168.   Wash  for  Mange. 
Corrosive  sublimate,  2  drachms^ 
Spirit  of  wine  or  brandy,  1  03. 
Decoction  of  tol»acco. 
Do.  of  white  helebore,  oreacn  i 
pint 


\ 


THE  VETERINARY  PHARMACOPCEIA. 


255 


Dissdlve  the  mercury  in  the 
spirit,  and  then  add  the  decoc- 
tions. 

169.  Ointments  for  healing. 
1. 
Turner's  cerate,  two  ounces. 
White  vitriol  powdered,  half  a 

drachm, 
Lard,  4  ounces. 

170.   For  Digesting. 
2. 
Turner's  cerate,  two  ounces, 
White  vitriol,  1  drachm, 
Yellow  basilicon,  5  conces. 


171.  For  Mavge^ 
Sulphur  vivum,  8  ounces. 
Arsenic  in  powder,  2  drachms. 
Mercurial  ointment,  2  ounces, 
Turpentine,  2  ounces. 
Lard,  8  ounces. 

Mix,    and    dress    with    everjf 
morning. 

172.   For  Scab  or  Shah  in  Sheep 
Mallenders  and  Sellenders  in 
Horses,  and  foul  blotches  and 
eruptions  in  cattle  in  general. 

Camphor,  1  drachm, 

Sugar  of  lead,  half  a  dra«hm, 

Mercurial  oinleient   1  ounce. 


Ot  THE  DISEASES  OF 


HORNED  CATTLE. 

173.  Cattle  are  subject  to  some  vein)  dangerous  dis- 
ea.<es,  but  as  their  life  is  less  artificial,  and  their  struc- 
ture less  complex,  they  are  not  liable  to  the  variety  of 
aliments  which  affect  the  horse.  The  general  pathology 
of  the  horse  and  ox  being  littlq  different,  the  funda- 
mental rules  for  veterinary  practice,  and  the  requisite 
medicines,  when  not  particularized,  will  be  found  in  the 
Veterinary  Pharmacopoeia,  already  given.  (126.) 

174.  i^f/Zc? /euer,  pantas  or  pantasia.  Cattle  sometimes  appear 
difectcd  with  heat,  redness  "of  the  nostrils  and  eyelids  ;  they  refuse 
food,  are  dull,  evacuate  and  stale  with  difficulty  ;  and  the  urine  is 
high  coloured.  These  symptoms  are  often  aggravated  every  other 
day,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  intermittent  affection.  The  com- 
plaint  is  often  brought  on  by  over  driving  in  very  hot  weather,  occa- 
sionally by  pushing  their  fattening  process  too  fast.  If  there  be  no 
appearance  of  malignancy,  and  the  heaving  be  considerable,  bleed, 
and  give  half  an  ounce  of  nitre  in  a  drink  night  and  mornin^f ;  bu\ 
unless  the  weather  be  cold  do  not  house  the  animal. 


175.    Inflammatory  fever  is  called  among. farriers,  cow-leeches, 
ana  graziers,  by  the  various  names  of  black  quarter,  joint  feloUf 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  257 

quarter  es  il,  quarter  ill,  showing  of  blood,  joint  murrain,  striking 
in  of  the  blood,  &c.     Various  causes  may  bring  this  on.     It  is  some- 
times epidemic,  and  at  others  it  seems  occasioned  by  a  sudden 
change  from  low  to  very  full  keeping.  Over  driving  has  brought  it  on. 
No  age  is  exempt  from  it,  but  the  young  oftener  have  it  than  the 
mature.     Its  inflammatory  stage   continues  but  a  few  days,   and 
shows  itself  by  a  dull  heavy  countenance,  red  eyes  and  eyelids  :  the 
nostrils  are  also  red,  and  a  slight  mucus  flows  from  them.     Tha 
pulse  is  peculiarly  quick ;  the  animal  is  sometimes  stupid,  at  others 
watchful,  particularly  at  first ;  and  in  some  instances  irritable. — 
The  appetite  is  usually  entirely  lost  at  the  end  of  tlie  second  day, 
and  the  dung  and  urine  either  stop  altogether,  or  the  one  is  hard 
and  the  other  is  red.     About  the  third  day  a  critical  deposit  takes 
place,  which  terminates  the  inflammatory  action  :  and  it  is  to  the 
various  parts  on  which  this  occurs,  that  the  disease  receives  its 
various  names.     The  deposit  is,  however,  sometimes  universal,  in 
the  form  of  a  bloody  suffusion  throughout  the  whole  skin      In 
others,  swellings  from  the  joints,  or  on  the  back  or  belly  ;  and  in 
fact,  no  part  is  exempt  from  their  attack.     Sometimes  the  animal 
swells  generally  or  partially,  and  the  air  being  suff"used  under  tlie 
skin,  crackles  to  the  fsel.     After  any  of  these  appearances  have 
come  on,  the  disease  assumes  a  very  malignant  type,  and  is  highly 
contagious. 

176.  Treatment  of  infiammatory  fever.  Before  the  critical  abscess 
form,  or  at  the  very  outset  of  the  disease,  bleed  liberally,  and  purge 
also :  give  likewise  a  fever  drink  (158.)  If,  however,  the  disease  be 
not  attended  to,  in  this  early  stage,  carefully  abstain  from  bleeding 
or  even  purging :  but  instead,  throw  up  clysters  of  warm  water  and 
salt  to  empty  the  bowels,  and  in  other  respects  treat  as  detailed 
under  malignant  epidemic.  (15.)  It  may  be  added,  that  four  drachms 
of  muriatic  acid,  in  three  pints  of  oak  bark  decoction,  given  twice 
a  day,  has  proved  useful.  The  swellings  themselves  may  be  washed 
with  warm  vinegar  both  before  and  after  they  burst. 

177  Catarrh  or  influenza  in  cattle,  also  known  by  the  name  oi 
felon,  is  only  a  more  mild  form  of  the  next  disease.  Everi  in  this 
mild  form  it  is  sometimes  epidemic,  or  prevalent  among  numbers , 
or  endemical  by  being  local.  .  Very  stormy  wet  weather,  changing 
frequently,  and  greatly  also  in  its  temperature,  are  common  causes. 
We  have  seen  it  brought  on  by  change  of  food  from  good  to  bad , 
and  from  too  close  pasturage.  It  first  appears  by  a  defluxion  irom 
the  nose ;  the  nostrils  and  the  eyelias  are  red ;  the  animal  heives, 
\B  tucked  up  \n  the  flanks,  and  on  the  third  dav  he  loses  the  oiui 


258  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

There  is  a  distressing  and  painful  cough,  and  not  unfrequently  a 
8ore  throat  also,  in  which  case  the  beast  almost  invariably  holds 
down  his  head.  The  treatment  does  not  at  all  differ  from  that 
directed  under  the  same  disease  in  horses  (13.)  Bleeding  only  tho 
first  two  days,  carefully  sheltering,  but  in  an  open  airy  place,  lit- 
tering well  up. 

178.  The  malignant  epidemic  influenza  is  popularly  called  muT' 
ain  or  psst ;  and  has  at  various  times  made  terrible  havoc  among 
rattle.  xA.ncient  history  affords  ample  proof  of  its  long  existence, 
and  by  the  accounts  handed  down,  it  does  not  seem  to  have  varied 
its  types  materially.  In  1757  it  visited  Britain,  producing  extreme 
fatality  among  the  kine.  From  1710  to  1714  it  continued  to  rage 
on  the  continent  with  unabated  fur}'',  (Lancisiss  Disputatio  His- 
lorica  cle  Bovilla  Peste.)  The  years  1730  and  1731,  and  from  1744 
to  1746,  witnessed  its  attack,  and  produced  many  written  descrip. 
tions  of  it,  among  which  stands  pre-eminent  that  of  Sauvages,  tho 
celebrated  professor  of  medicine,  at  Montpelier.  The  British  visi- 
tation of  the  malady  in  1757,  elicited  an  excellent  work  from  the  pen 
of  Dr.  Layard,  a  physician  of  Iiondon,  which  was  afterwards  trans- 
lated into  several  languages. 

o         o 


179.    Syrnptoms  of  the  murrain.    Dr.  Layard  describes  it  as  cora 
mencing  by  a  difhculty  of  swallowing,  and  itching  of  the  earr 
shaking  of  the  head,  with  excessive  weakness  and  staggering  gait 
which  occasions  a  continual  desire  to  lie  down.     A  sanious  foetid 
discharge  invariably  appears  from  the  nostrils,  and  eyes  also.— 
The  cough  was  frequent  and  urgent.     Fever,  exacerbiating,  par 
ticularly  at  night,   when  it  usually  produced  quickened  pulse.— 
There  was  constant  scouring  of  green  foetid  dung  after  the  first 
two  days,  which  tainted  every  thing  around,  even  the  breath,  per 
spiration,  and  urine  were  highly  foetid.    Little  tumours  or  boils  v/ere 
very  commonly  felt  under  the  skin,  and  if  about  the  seventh  oi 
nmth  day  these  eruptions  become  larger,  and  boils  or  buboes  appear 
v\  ith  lessened  discharge  of  fieces,  they  proved  critical  and  the  animaJ 
often  recovered  ;  but  if  on  the  contrary,  the  scouring  continued,  and 
iJie  breath  became  cold,  and  the  mouth  dark  in  colour,  he  intorma 
ue  mortality  followed.     Sauvages  describes  the  murrain  as  showing 
Itself  by  trembling,  cold  shivers,  nose  excorated  with  an  acid  dis- 
charge from  it ;  purging  after  the  first  two  days,  but  previous  to 
which  there  was  often  costiveness.     Great  tenderness  about  the 
spme  and  withers  was  also  a  characteristic,  with  emphysema,  or  a 
bJowjng  up  of  the  skin. by  air  discharged  underneath  it 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  259 

180.  Dissections  of  those  that  have  died  of  this  disease,  accordinp 
to  Sauvagcs,  have  shown  marks  of  great  inflammauon,  and  of  a 
great  putrid  tendency ;  but  the  solid  parts  seldom  ran  into  gan- 
grene. The  fluid  secretions  however,  always  were  sufficiently 
dissolved  and  broken  down  by  putridity.  The  paunch,  he  says, 
was  usually  filled  with  undigested  matter,  and  the  other  stomachs 
highly  inflamed :  the  gall  bladder  was  also  commonly  distended, 
with  acrid  thick  brown  bile.  Goelich,  who  likewise  dissects  a 
these  subjects,  describes  the  gall  as  particularly  profuse  and  in- 
tolerably foetid.  According  to  him,  the  whole  alimentary  canal, 
from  the  mouth  to  the  anus  was  excorated  ;  and  Lancisi,  contrary 
to  Sauvages,  found  the  viscera  of  the  chest  and  belly,  in  some  r*ases 
sphacelated  and  gangrenous.  Gazola  describes  the  murrain  as 
accompanied  with  pustulous  sores ;  and  so  great  was  the  putria 
tendency,  that  even  the  milk,  before  it  dried  up,  which  it  usually 
did  before  the  fourth  day,  became  fcetid. 

181.  The  treatment  of  the  murrain.  In  the  very  early  stages,  all 
eminent  authors  recommend  bleeding ;  but  which  should  not  only 
be  confined  to  the  ver}'-  early  periods,  as  to  the  two  first  days  ;  but 
also  to  such  subjects  as  by  their  previous  health  and  condition  can 
oear  it.  The  animals  should  be  placed  in  aa  open  airy  place ;  the 
litter  should  be  frequently  renewed ;  and  the  place  itself  should  be 
fumigated  with  the  preventative  fumigation.  (161,)  It  has  been 
recommended  to  burn  green  boughs  with  pitch  as  a  substitute 
even  charcoal  fires  occasionally  carried  around  the  place  would  be 
useful.  Dr.  Layard  advises  the  body  to  be  washed  with  aromatic 
herbs  in  water ;  but  vinegar  would  have  been  better.  In  early 
stages,  saline  purgatives,  as  from  ten  to  twenty  ounces  of  Epsom 
salts  are  to  be  invariably  used.  If  the  scouring  have  already  come 
on,  still,  however,  purge ;  but  with  only  half  the  quantity;  an  arti- 
ficial purge  will  carry  off  the  morbid  bile  ;  and  if  excessire  weakness 
do  not  come  on,  the  same  may  be  advantageously  repeated.  Setons 
are  also  recommended  in  the  dewlap.  When  abscess  appear,  they 
may  be  opened,  and  their  contents  discharged,  washing  the  wound 
with  brandy  or  vinegar,  if  putrid  sloughing  takes  place.  The  em. 
physematous  swellings  or  cracklings,  may  also  be  opened,  and  the 
air  discharged.  The  other  essentials  of  medical  treatment,  as 
aetailed  under  malignant  epidemic  among  horses,  is  here  applicable 
in  every  particular.  When  recovery  takes  place,  it  is  usually  a 
very  slow  process,  and  requires  care  to  prevent  other  diseases  super- 
vening. The  animal  should  continue  to  be  housed,  and  neither 
exposed  to  sun  or  wind  for  some  time,  and  the  feeding  should  be 
nutritious      The  following  infallible  cure  of  the  bloody  murrain  ax 

23* 


2G0  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

cattle,  was  given  by  Mr.  Jones,  of  Gloucester  county,  Va.  to  Blr. 

Benjamin  Harrison,  of  Charles  City  County,  Va. — "  A  quart  of  tho 

infusion  of  cedar  berries,  (containing  about  half  a  pint  of  the  ber- 

ries)  was  given  at  a  time,  and  in  nearly  every  case  the  good  effecta 

were  almost   instantaneous  :    a   considerable   discharge   from  the 

bladder  and  bowels  followed,  and  in  five  or  ten  minutes  time,  tho 

animal  began  to  eat.     In  nineteen  cases  out  of  twenty  a  perfect 

cure  was  effected.     It  may  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  drench  foia 
or  five  times '' 

182.  The  prevention  of  the  murrain,  or  the  prevention  cf  il» 
spreading,  in  many  respects  is  even  more  important  than  its  medical 
treatment.  Where  it  has  already  appeared,  all  the  out-buildings, 
but  particularly  the  ox-lodges  or  stalls,  should  be  daily  fumigated 
with  the  preventive  fumigation  (161  ;)  and,  even  the  whole  of  the 
infected  districts  should  have  frequent  fires  of  green  wood  made  in 
the  open  air,  and  every  such  district  should  be  put  under  rigorous 
quarantine.  The  cattle  on  every  farm  should  be  carefelly  examined 
three  or  four  times  every  day,  and  the  moment  one  is  found  to  droop, 
he  should  be  removed  to  a  distance  from  the  others.  In  very  bad 
weather,  while  it  is  prevalent,  the  healthy  cattle  should  be  housed, 
and  particularly  well  fed  ;  and  their  pastures  should  also  be  changed. 
The  bodies  of  those  who  die  of  the  disease  should  be  buried  with 
their  skins  on,  very  deep  in  the  earth,  and  quick  lime  should  be 
strewed  over  them. — Prevention — Mr.  VVm.  Minge,  (of  James 
River,  Va.)  recommends  tho  ii  ^e  of  a  mixture  of  clay,  salt,  (in  the 
common  proportion  for  slock)  tar  and  powdered  brimstone.  For 
fifty  head,  one  gallon  of  tar  and  half  a  pound  of  brimstone,  per  week, 
put  in  a  trough  to  which  the  cattle  had  free  access.  The  disease, 
it  appears,  is  endemic  in  Virginia,  particularly  in  the  districts  bor 
dering  on  tide  water. 

183.  Phrenzy  fever,  or  inflammation  of  the  brain,  called  also 
cough,  now  and  then,  but  by  no  means  frequently,  attacks  cattle 
The  symptonis  differ  but  little  from  those  which  attack  horses.— 
The  treatment  must  be  exactly  similar. 

184.  Inflamrnation  of  the  lungs  occasionally  occurs  in  cattle,  in 
which  also  the  symptoms,  progress,  and  proper  treatment,  are  similar 
to  those  detailed  under  that  head  in  horse  pathology  (31.) 

185.  Inflammation  of  the. stomach  sometimes  occurs  from  poison, 
ous  matters ;  and  in  such  cases,  when  the  nature  of  the  pOison  is 
oiseovercd,  the  treatment  detailed  under  poiscn  in  horse  pathology 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  2*jl 

must  b<;  pursued.  But  there  is  a  species  of  indigestion,  to  which 
cattle  are  liable  in  the  spring,  from  eating  voraciously  of  the  young 
sprouts  of  wood ;  to  which  some  woods  are  more  conducive  thar 
others.  The  symptoms  are  heat,  thirst,  costiveness,  lessened  urino, 
quick  and  hard  pulse,  with  heat  and  redness  in  the  mouth  and  nose } 
the  belly  is  hard  and  painful,  and  the  stools,  when  they  appear,  are 
covered  with  glare.  When  the  mouth  and  nose  discharge  a  serous 
fluid,  the  animal  usually  dies. 

186,  Treatment.  Bleed  at  first,  open  the  bowels  by  saline  pur- 
gatives (164.)  After  this  give  large  quantities  of  nitrated  water,  and 
clyster  also  largely. 

187  The  hove  or  blown  in  cattle  is  also  an  inflammatory  affec- 
tion of  the  paunch,  ending  in  paralysis  and  rupture  of  its  substance. 
From  the  frequency  of  its  occurrence,  it  has  become  a  subject  o( 
investigation  with  almost  every  rational  grazier,  and  a  particular 
matter  of  inquiry  with  every  agricultural  body  ;  from  whence  it  is 
now  very  successfully  treated  by  the  usual  attendants  on  cattle, 
when  skilful ;  but  when  otherwise,  it  usually  proves  fatal.  It  is 
observed  to  be  more  frequent  in  warm  weather  and  when  the  grass 
is  wet.  When  either  oxen,  cows,  or  sheep,  meet  with  any  food 
they  are  particularly  fond  of,  or  of  which  they  have  been  long 
deprived,  as  potatoes,  turnips,  the  different  grasses,  particularly  red 
clover ;  they  eat  greedily,  and  forget  to  lie  down  to  ruminate ;  by 
which  means  the  first  stomach  or  paunch,  becomes  so  distended  aa 
to  be  incapable  of  expelling  its  contents.  From  this  inflammation 
follows,  and  fermentation  begins  to  take  place :  a  large  quantity  ol 
air  is  let  loose,  which  still  adds  to  the  distention,  till  the  stomach 
either  bursts,  or  by  its  pressure  on  the  diaphragm,  the  animal  is 
suffocated.  This  situation  of  the  beast  is  known  by  the  uneasiness 
and  general  swelling  of  the  abdomen ;  with  the  cifcumstances  of 
the  animal  being  found  with  such  food,  or  the  presumption  that  i« 
has  met  with  it. 

188.  Treatment.  There  are  three  modes  of  relieving  the  com 
olaint,  which  may  be  adverted  to  according  to  the  degree  of 
distention,  and  length  of  timie  it  has  existed.  These  are  internal 
medicines ;  the  introduction  of  a  probang  of  some  kind  into  the 
paunch  by  the  throat :  and  the  puncturing  it  by  the  sides.  Dr. 
Whyatt  of  Edinburgh,  is  said  to  have  cured  eighteen  out  of  twenty 
hoved  cows,  by  giving  a  pint  of  gin  to  each.  Oil,  by  condensing 
the  air,  has  been  successfully  tried.  Any  other  substance  also,  that 
lias  a  strong  power  of  absorbing  air,  may  be  advantaffeousiy  given 


2fJ2  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

Con)nion  salt  and  water,  made  stronorly  saline,  is  a  usual  countrv 
remedy.  New  milk,  with  a  proportion  of  tar  equal  to  one-sixth  o. 
the  milk,  is  highly  spoken  of.  A  strong  solution  of  prepared  am- 
monia in  water  often  brings  off  a  great  quantity  of  air,  and  relieves 
the  animal.  Any  of  these  internal  remedies  may  be  made  use  of 
when  the  hoven  has  recently  taken  place,  and  is  not  in  a  violent 
degree.  But  wksn  otherwise,  the  introduction  of  an  instrument  is 
proper,  and  is  now  very  generally  resorted  to.  The  one  principally 
in  use  is  a  species  of  probang,  invented  by  Dr.  Munro,  of  Edinburgh 
Another  consisting  of  a  cane  of  six  feet  in  length,  and  of  con 
siderable  diameter,  having  a  bulbous  knob  of  wood,  has  been  invented 
by  Eager,  which  is  a  more  simple  machine,  but  hardly  so  effica- 
cious. It  is  probable  that  in  cases  of  emergency,  even  the  larger 
end  of  a  common  cart  whip,  dexterously  used,  might  answer  the 
end.  But  by  far  the  best  instrument  for  relieving  hoven  cattle,  as 
well  as  for  clystering  them,  is  Read's  enema  apparatus,  which  is 
alike  applicable  to  horses,  cattle,  and  dogs.  It  consists  of  a  syringe, 
to  which  tubes  of  different  kinds  are  applied,  according  to  the  pur-  . 
pose,  and  the  kind  of  animal  to  be  operated  upon.  There  is  a  long 
ftexible  tube  for  giving  an  enema  to  horses  and  cattle,  and  a  smaller 
one  for  dogs.  To  relieve  hoven  bullocks  effectually,  it  is  necessary 
not  only  to  free  the  stomach  from  an  accumulation  of  gas,  but  from 
the  fermenting  pultaceous  mixture  which  generates  it ;  for  this  pur- 
pose a  tube  is  applied  to  the  extremity  of  the -syringe,  and  then 
passed  into  the  animal's  stomach,  through  the  mouth,  and  being 
put  in  action,  tlie  offending  matter  is  discliarged  by  a  side  opening 
When  the  same  operation  is  performed  on  sheep,  a  smaller  tube  is 
made  use  of.  The  characteristic  excellency  of  Read's  instrument, 
is,  that  there  is  no  limit  to  the  quantity  of  fluid  that  may  not  be 
iniected  or  extracted.  The  same  syringe  is  used  for  extracting 
poison  from  the  stomach  of  man,  for  smoking  insects,  extinguishing; 
fires,  and  syringing  fruit  trees.  The  introduction  of  any  of  these 
instruments  may  be  effected  by  the  help  of  an  assistant,  who  should 
hold  the  horn  of  the  animal  by  one  hand  and  the  dividing  cartilage 
of  the  nose  with  the  other;  while  the  operator  himself,  taking  tlie 
longue  in  his  left  hand,  employs  his  right  in  skilfully  and  carefully 
introducing  the  instrument;  the  assistant  bringing  the  head  and 
neck  into  such  an  attitude  as  to  make  the  passage  nearly  straigiii, 
wnich  will  greatly  facilitate  the  operation.  But  when  no  instru. 
ments  can  be  procured,  or  as  cases  may  occur  when  indeed  it  is  not 
luviisable  to  try  them,  as  when  the  disease  has  existed  a  considerable 
lime,  or  the  animal  has  become  outrageous,  or  the  stomach  so  much 
distended  with  air  that  there  is  danger  of  immediate  suffocation  oi 
bursting  •    m    these    instances    tlie    puncture  of  the  maw  must    l»« 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  2G3 

instaiitly  performed,  which  is  called  paunching.     This  may  be  dono 
with  tire  greatest  ease  ;  midway  between  the  illium  or  haunch  oone, 
and  the  last  rib  of  the  left  side,  to  which  the  paunch  inclines  ;  a 
sharp  pen-knife  is  frequently  used,  and  persons  in  veterinary  prac- 
tice  should  always  keep  a  long  trochar  ;  which  will  be  found  much 
the  most  efficacious,  and  by  far  the  most  safe,  as  it  permits  tlie  air 
escaping  certainly  and  quickly,  at  the  same  time  that  it  prevents  its 
entrance  into  the  cavity  of  the  abdomen,  which  would  occasion  an 
equal  distention.     As  soon  as  the  air  is  perfectly  evacuated,  and  the 
paunch  resumes  its  office,  the  trochar  m.ay  be  removed  ;  and  in  wliat. 
ever  way  it  is  done,  the  wound  should  be  carefully  closed  with 
sticking  plaster  or  other  adhesive  matter.    It  is  necessary  to  observe, 
that  this  operation  is  so  safe,  that  whenever  a  medical  assistant 
cannot  be  obtained,  no  person  should  hesitate  a  moment  about  doing 
It  himself.     After  relief  has  been  afforded,'  a  stimulant  drink  may 
yet  be  very  properly  given,  such  as  half  a  pint  of  common  gin;  or 
one  ounce  of  spirit  of  hartshorn  in  a  pint  of  ale ;  or  tw^o  ounces  of 
spirit  of  turpentine  in  ale,  may  any  of  them  be  used  as  an  assistant 
stimulus.     When  also  the  cud  is  again  chewed,  still  some  relaxation 
of  the  digestive  organs  may  remain ;   at  first,  therefore,  feed  spar 
ingly  and   give  for  a  few  mornings  a  tonic.  [130  No.  l.j 

189.  Inflammation  of  the  bowels,  or  red  colic,  is  by  no  means 
unknown  in  cattle  pathology ;  the  symptoms  of  whicli  do  not  differ 
from  those  common  to  the  horse,  and  the  treatment  also,  is  in  every 
respect  the  same.  (jiS.) 

190.  Inflammation  of  the  liver,  or  hot  yellows,  sometimes  occur, 
m  which  case,  in  addition  to  the  symptoms  detailed  under  hepatitis 
in  the  horse  (58,)  there  is,  from  the  presence  of  systic  bile  in  the  ox, 
a  more  determined  yellowness  of  the  eye-lids,  mouth,  and  nostrils , 
the  treatment  must  be  similar.  (58.) 

191.  Inflammation  of  the  kidnies,  called  red  water,  by  the  cow- 
.eeches,  is  not  uncommon  among  cattle,  and  is  perhaps  dependent 
on  the  lobulated  form  of  these  parts  in  them.  The  animal  to  the 
other  symptoms  of  fever,  adds  stiffness  behind,  and  often  straddles, 
yut  always  shrinks  on  being  pinched  across  the  .oins,  where  fre- 
quently increased  heat  is  felt,  the  urine  is  sometimes  scanty,  and 
now  and  then  increased  in  quantity,  but  it  is  always  first  red,  then 
purple,  and  afterwards  brown  or  black,  when  a  fatal  termination 
may  be  prognosticated.  The  treatment  has  been  fully  detaileo  under 
nephritis  in  the  horse  pathology,  (60)  and  which  consists  in  plentiful 
bleedings,  &-c.  but  carefully  abstaining  from  the  use  of  dinreticn,  a* 
tidvised  by  ig'norant  co\v-leec)ies 


264  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

192-  Bhik  iDater  is  only  the  aggravated  and  latter  stages  of  the 
above 

193.  luflarnmaiicn  of  the  bladder  also  now  and  then  occurs,  and 
in  no  wise  differs  from  the  cystisis  of  the  horse,  in  consequence* 
and  treatment.  (62.) 

194.  The  colics  of  cattle,  arise  from  different  causes;  they  are 
tubjcct  to  a  spasmodic  colic,  not  unlike  that  of  horses,  and  which  is 
lemoved  by  the  same  means.  (53.)  Costiveness  also  brings  on  a  colic 
in  them,  called  clue  bound,  fardel  bound,  &c.  which  often  ends  in 
red  colic,  unless  early  removed  ;  the  treatment  of  this  we  have  fully 
detailed.  (55.)  Another  colic  is  accompanied  with  relaxation  of 
bowels. 

195.  Diarrhoea,  scouring^  ox  scouring  coic,  is  common  in  cattle, 
and  is  brought  on  by  exposure  to  rain,  improper  change  of  food, 
over  driving,  and  other  violences.  It  is  essentially  necessary  that 
the  animals  be  taken  under  cover,  kept  warm  and  dry,  and  have 
mitritious  food  allowed  them.  The  medical  treatment  has  been 
detailed.  (52.) 

196.  Dysentery  or  hraxy,  bloody  ray,  and  slimy  flux,  differs  from 
simple  scouring,  in  a  greater  degree  of  fever  attending  it,  and  in  its 
being  an  inflammation  of  a  particular  kind,  and  part  of  the  intes- 
tines.  It  is  frequently  dependent  on  a  vitiated  putrid  state  of  the 
bile,  brought  on  by  over  driving  in  hot  weather,  low  damp  pastures 
in  autumn,  &lc.  The  discharge  is  characterized  by  its  bad  smell, 
and  by  the  mucous  stringy  patches  in  it,  and  also  by  its  heat  and 
smoking  when  voided ;  all  which  are  very  different  from  the  mere 
discharge  of  the  aliments  in  a  state  of  solution  in  diarrhoea,  and 
which  differences  should  be  carefully  marked  to  distinguish  the  one 
from  the  other ;  treat  as  under  dysentery  in  the  horse.  (49.) 

197.  Yellows.  When  active  fever  is  not  present,  and  yet  cattle 
are  very  dull,  with  great  yellowness  of  eyelids,  nostrils,  &c.  it 
arises  from  some  biliary  obstruction,  to  which  oxen  and  cows  are 
more  liable  than  horses,  from  their  being  furnished  witl^  a  gall 
bladder ,  it  is  a  more  common  complaint  in  some  ot  the  cold  pro- 
vinces on  the  continent,  where  tliey  are  housed  and  stall  fed  all  the 
year  round,  than  it  is  in  England,  The  treatment  is  the  same  as 
detailed  for  chronic  inflanmiation  of  the  liver  in  horses  (59)  adding 
.n  every  instance  to  it,  a  change  of  pasturage,  and  if  convenient, 
»nio  salt  marshes,  which  will  alone  often  effect  a  cure 


1 


DISEASES  OF  CATTLE.  265 

198.  Loss  of  the  cud.  This  enters  the  list  of  most  cow-leeches' 
diseases,  but  is  less  a  disease  than  a  symptom  of  some  other  affec- 
tion ;  indeed  it  is  evident  that  any  attack  sufficient  to  destroy  the 
appetite  will  generally  occasion  the  loss  of  the  cud.  It  is  possible, 
however,  that  an  occasional  local  affection  or  paralysis  of  the  paunch 
may  occur,  particularly  when  it  is  distended  with  unhealthy  sub 
stances,  as  acftrns,  crabs,  the  tops  of  some  of  the  woody  shrubs,  &-c 
The  treatment  in  such  cases  consists  in  stimulating  the  stomach  by 
tonics,  as  aloes,  pepper,  and  gin  mixed;  though  these,  as  liquids 
may  not  enter  the  stomach  in  common  cases,  yet  in  this  disease  or 
impaired  action  of  the  rumen,  they  will  readily  enter  there. 

199.  Staggers,  daisy  or  turning,  are  sometimes  the  consequences 
of  over  feeding,  particularly  when  from  low  keeping,  cattle  ara 
suddenly  removed  to  better  pasturage.  Treat  with  bleeding  and 
purgmg. 

200.  Tetanus,  or  locked  jaw,  now  and  then  attacks  cattle,  in  wh»ch 
case  it  presents  the  same  appearances  and  requires  the  same  treat- 
ment as  in  horses.  (11.) 

201.  Cattle  surgery  is  in  no  respect  different  from  that  in  prac 
tjce  among  horses,  the  wounds  are  treated  in  the  same  manner. 
Goring  with  the  horns  v/ill  sometimes  penetrate  the  cavity  of  the 
belly,  and  let  out  the  intestines ;  the  treatment  of  which  is  the  same 
as  in  the  horse.  (56.)  Strains,  bruises,  &c.  are  also  to  be  treated 
like  these  of  horses. 

202.  Foul  in  the  foot.  This  occasionally  comes  on  of  itself,  but  ia 
more  often  the  effect  of  accident :  cleanse  it  well  and  keep  it  from 
dirt: — apply  the  foot  paste.  (166.) 

203.  Wornals,  or  puckeridge,  are  tumours  on  the  backs  c  f  cattle 
occasioned  by  a  dipterous  insect  which  punctures  their  skin,  and 
deposits  its  eggs  in  each  puncture.  When  the  eggs  are  natc.hed, 
and  the  larvse  or  maggots  are  arrived  at  their  full  size,  they  make 
their  way  out,  and  leave  a  large  hole  in  the  hide,  to  prevent  which 
the  destruction  of  the  egg  should  be  attempted  by  nipping  the 
tumour,  or  thrusting  in  a  hot  Wire. 

204.  Cattle  obstetrics  are  not  very  varied ;  young  cows  of  very 
^uU  habits  have  sometimes  a  super-abundant  secretion  of  milk  before 
calving,  which  produces  fever  and  heat ;  sometimes  from  cold  taken 
the  same  will  occur  after  calving  also  :  in  either  case,  give  miid  dry 
Food  or  hay  ;  bathe  the  udder  also  with  vinegar  and  water  ,  in  sotom 

S 


266  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

cases,  waim  fomentations  do  best.     If  the  fever  run  high,  treat  as 
under  fever  in  horse  pathology. 

205.  The  process  of  calving  is  usually  performed  without  diffi- 
culty; sometimes,  however,  cross  presentations  take  place,  and 
Bometimes  a  constriction  of  parts  prevents  the  natural  passage  of 
the  calf.  To  act  properly  on  these  occasions,  great  patience  i» 
required,  and  much  mildness ;  many  cows  have  been  lost  by  brutal 
pulling ;  we  have  seen  all  the  men  and  boys  of  a  farm  mustered  to 
pull  at  a  rope  affixed  about  a  calf,  partly  protruded,  which,  when  it 
was  thus  brought  away,  was  forced  to  be  killed,  and  the  mother  soon 
died  also  from  the  protrusion  of  parts  this  brut?.?  force  brought  witli 
the  ca*lf.     A  steady,  moderate  pull,  during  the  tliroes  of  the  anima', 

» will  assist  much  ;  having  first  directed  the  attention  n  the  situation 
of  the  calf,  and  that  the  presentation  is  such  as  not  to  obstruct  its 
progress ;  if  it  does,  the  calf  must  be  forced  back,  and  turned  or 
placed  aright. 

206.  IVhethering,  or  retention  of  the  after-birth  or  burden.  It 
sometimes  happens  that  this  is  retained  ;  for  which  no  better  remedy 
has  been  hitherto  discovered  than  warm  clothing  and  drenching 
with  ale,  administered  as  a  forcer. 

207.  The  diseases  of  calves  are  principally  confined  to  a  species 
of  convulsions  which  now  and  then  attacks  them,  and  which  some- 
times arises  from  worms,  and  at  others  fVom  cold.  When  the  first 
cause  operates,  it  is  then  relieved  by  giving  a  mild  aloetic  purge, 
or  in  default  of  that,  a  mild  dose  of  oil  of  turpentine,  as  half  an 
ounce  night  and  morning.  In  the  second,  wrap  up  the  animal  warm, 
and  drench  with  ale  and  laudanum  a  drachm.  Calves  are  also  very 
subject  to  diarrhoea  or  scouring,  which  will  readily  yield  to  the 
usual  medicines.  (131.) 

208.  Horn  distemper  or  horn  ail.  A  disorder  incident  to  horned 
cattle,  by  which  the  internal  substance  of  the  horn  (commonly 
called  the  pith,  which  is  the  spongy  part  of  the  bone)  wastes  away, 
&.c.  This  disorder  may  be  known  by  a  dullness  in  tne  countenance, 
a  sluggish  motion,  want  of  appetite,  a  desire  to  lie  down  frequently, 
shake  their  head  and  appear  dizzy,  &c.  To  be  sure  of  this  disease, 
take  a  small  gimblet  and  perforate  the  horn  2  or  3  inches  above  the 
head :  if  it  is  hollow  and  no  blood  follows,  it  is  the  hollow  horn ; 
FJiis  distemper  iS  generally  brought  on  by  poverty,  &c. 

Bore  each  horn  at  the  upper  and  lower  side  that  the  drain  may 
tare  vent,  and  administer  at  least  two  or  three  doses  of  salti^  oi 


DISEASES  OF    CATTLE.  267 

some  gentle  purgative  ;  inject  into  the  horn  strong  vinegar  and  cam. 
phorated  spirits  of  salt  and  vinegar:  this  will  cleanse  the  horn  and 
effect  a  cure.  Sawing  off  the  horn  is  sometimes  performed,  hi>t  the 
above  receipt  is  preferable. 

209.  Vermin  on  cattle.  It  is  found  that  a  strong  decoction  o 
tobacco  washed  over  a  beast  infected  with  vermin  will  generally 
drive  them  away.  It  sometimes  will  make  the  beast  very  sick  for 
a  short  time.  But  a  better  remedy  is  to  mix  a  plenty  of  strong 
Scotch  snuff  in  train  oil,  and  rub  the  back  and  neck  of  the  creature 
with  it ;  which  will  effectually  kill  or  drive  away  all  vermin  from 
a  quadruped. 

Salt — Let  it  be  remembered,  when  given  to  animals,  enables  the 
farmer  to  increase  his  live  stock  and  keep  them  in  health ;  hence  it 
ought  freely  to  be  given  to  sheep  and  cattle  of  every  description  * 
but,  to  imitate  nature,  it  should  be  previously  dissolved  and  then 
mixed  with  pure  fine  clay  in  a  mass,  which  is  to  be  plj«,*d  under  a 
shelter  so  that  the  animals  may  lap  it  at  pl«s>8ure. 


•24 


268  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP* 


THE 

DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

*210.  The  diseases  of  sheep  are  numerous  ;  for  these 
animals  are  now  so  highly  cultivated  that  they  may  be 
Vegarded  in  some  respects  as  artificial  machines  :  and 
thus,  as  a  natural  consequence,  they  are  subject  to  a 
variety  of  artificial  defects  and  maladies. 

211.  The  rot  is  a  popula?^  term  Rmong  shepherds, 
and  includes  within  its  range  diseases  widely  different. 
We  shall  not  therefore  follow  the  custom  of  treating 
}he  different  rots  of  sheep  together ;  but  we  shall  allow 
them  to  fall  m  the  natural  order,  according  to  the  plan 
pursued  with  "the  diseases  of  oxen. 

212.  The  inflammatory  and  putrid  fever,  popularly  known  by  the 
names  higham  striking  or  blood  striking,  does  not  differ  materially 
from  the  same  disease  in  oxen  and  cows :  and  is  in  slieep  also  some- 
times  epidemic ,  appearing  by  panting,  dullness,  watery  mucus 
from  the  nose  and  eyes,  and  great  redness  of  all  such  parts  as  are 
usually  white. 

2T3.  The  red  water.  The  inflammatory  fever  sometimes  resolves 
itself  into  an  universal  secretion  of  serum  throughout  all  the  cavi 
lies  ;  in  which  case  after  a  few  days,  the  lymph  tinged  with  bloi)d 
vill  come  away  from  the  nose  and  mouth  in  large  quantities.  Some- 
times after  death  the  bloody  serum  is  found  suffused  throu^hoir 
the  fekin  as  in  th.e  blood  striking  of  skins. 


DISEASES  OF  SHEEP.  269 

214.  The  claveau  or  sheep  pox  is  also  another  variety  of  this  dis- 
ease,  in  which  it  takes  on  a  pustular  form.  About  the  third  day 
small  variolae  appear  :  sometimes  they  are  rather  blotches  than  pus. 
tules.  The  weakness  is  usually  extreme,  and  the  putridity  great. 
This  form  of  the  disease  is  seldom  seen  with  us  ;  but  it  ir  stii 
known  on  the  continent,  where  the  pastures  are  very  poor  and 
iO  w,  and  the  general  keeping  meagre. 

215.  The  treatment  of  all  these  in  no  wise  differs  from  that  di- 
rected  under  the  inflammatory  putrid  fever  of  the  ox.  The  dosea 
of  medicines  being  about  a  third  of  what  is  directed  for  them. 

216.  Malignant  epidemic  or  murrain.  Sometimes  an  epidemic 
prevails  which  greatly  resembles  the  murrain  of  oxen  ;  in  appear- 
ances, termination,  and  treatment  it  resembles  malignant  epidemic 
of  oxen.     (178.) 

217.  Peripneumonia  or  inflamed  lungs,  rising  of  the  lights,  glan- 
derous rot,  hose,  ^c.  These  terms  are  all  modifications  of  an  in- 
flamed  state  of  the  viscera  of  the  chest,  caught  by  undue  exposure, 
bad  pasturage,  and  often  from  over  driving.  The  cough,  trem- 
blinsfs,  the  redness  of  the  eyes  and  nostrils,  and  the  distillation  of 
a  fl^td  from  them,  with  the  heavings  and  hot  breath,  are  all  simi- 
lar to  those  which  characterize  pneumonia  or  rising  of  the  lights 
in  oxen.  We  remember  to  have  seen  the  disease  strongly  marked 
in  the  February  of  1808,  on  a  farm  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Streat 
ham ;  where  eleven  sheep  were  attacked  almost  together,  after  a 
very  stormy  night.  They  were  first  affected  by  a  loss 'of  appetite, 
next  with  a  fixed  steadfast  look,  which  was  common  to  every  one 
After  this,  they  reeled  about,  fell  backwards  and  became  convulsed. 
When  seen,  five  were  almost  dead,  whose  internal  appearances 
fully  confirmed  the  nature  of  the  disease.  The  rest  recovered  by 
bleeding  and  drenching,  with  drenches  composed  of  nitre  and  tar- 
lar  emetic.  Sometimes  the  symptoms  of  pneumonia  do  not  kill 
immediately,  but  degenerate  into  an  ulceration  of  the  lungs ;  which 
IS  then  called  the  glanderous  rot.  This  stage  is  always  fate  :  the 
others  may,  by  early  attention,  be  combatted  by  judicious  treat- 
luent,  as  detailed  under  the  same  disease  in  oxen. 

218.  A  chronic  cough  in  sheep,  when  not  symptomatic  of  rot,  is 
always  cured  by  a  change  of  pasturage,  particularly  into  a  sa't 
mash. 

219    Inflammation  of  the  stomach  occurs  from  various  causes.  A 


/O  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

common  on*^  arises  from  eating  noxious  veg\.tables,  and  producet 
the  affections  termed  tremblings.  It  also  produces  the  grass  ill  in 
lambs,  which  latter  is  always  accompanied  with  black  foetid  faeces, 
and  is>  readily  removed  by  an  ounce  of  castor  oil ;  while  the  for- 
mer usually  yields  to  half  an  ounce  of  oil  of  turpentine,  beaten  up 
with  the  yelk  of  an  egg.  Some  herbs  (as  Atropa  belladonna)  when 
eaten  produce  spasmodic  affections,  which  are  called  by  shepherds 
leaping  ill :  in  such  cases  the  water  solution  of  aloes  {Vet.  Pha 
164,)  in  doses  of  two  or  three  ounces  is  useful.  Daffy's  elixir  we 
have  also  known  to  be  given  with  good  effect. 

220.  The  hove,  blast,  or  wind  colic.     Sheep  are  as  liable  to  be 
distended  with  an  enormous  collection  within  the  m'aw,  as  oxen. 
An  instrument  similar  to  that  invented  by  Dr.  Monro  is  also  made 
for  them ;  and  when  not  relieved  by  these  means,  the  same  reme 
dies  are  applicable,  as  are  directed  for  oxen.  (188.) 

221.  A  wind  colic  will  also  sometimes  affect  sheep  more  from 
the  quality  than  the  quantity  of  what  they  eat ;  it  is  best  relieved 
by  an  ounce  of  castor  or  salad  oil  with  an  ounce  of  gin. 

222.  Inflamed  liver,  blood  rot,  or  hot  yellows,  are  liver  affections 
arising  from  fever  settling  in  that  organ  ;  or  from  obstructed  bile 
irritating  it.  Sometimes  there  are  great  marks  of  fever,  and  at 
others  more  of  putridity  ;  according  to  which,  treat  as  may  be 
gathered  from  ox  pathology 

223.  Jaundice  also  now  and  then  occurs,  when  refer  to  that  dis- 
ease in  oxen.     (197.) 

224.  Dysentary,  gall  scour,  braxy,  arc  all  affections  brought  on 
oy  sudden  changes  of  temperature,  or  of  undue  moisture  acting 
with  cold  pasturage.  It  is  often  seen  in  sultry  autumns  : — Treat  as 
under  ox  braxy.     (196.) 

225.  Scouring  is  the  diarrhcEa  of  sheep,  and  in  very  hot  weather 
80on  carries  them  off.  It  should  be  early  attended  to,  by  abstract- 
ing  the  affected  and  housing  them.  Tlie  treatment  is  seen  under 
diarrfioea  of  oxen,  ''195,)  which  it  closely  resembles. 

226.  Pinning,  tag.helt,  break-share.  The  two  former  are  only 
ihe  adhesion  of  the  tail  to  the  wool,  and  the  excoriation  brought 
on  by  diarrhoea ;  the  latter  is  the  diarrhoea  itself,  known  to  some 
oy  this  term. 

<J27.  The  rot  tn  sheep  is  also  called  great  rot,  and  hydropic  rot, 
^c.  out  it  is  mere  popularly  known  by  the  single  term  of  rot.- 


% 


DISEASES  OF  SHEEP.  271 

Many  causes  have  been  assigned  for  it,  as  the  faciola  hepatica,  or 
fluke  worm  ;  some  particular  plants  eaten  as  food ;  ground  eaiiug  ; 
snails  and  other  ingesta:  but  as  most  of  the  supposed  deleterious 
herbs  have  been  tried  by  way  of  experiment,  and  have  failed  to 
produce  the  disease,  so  it  is  attributable  to  some  other  cause. — 
Neither  is  there  reason  to  suppose  that  the  fluke  worm  occasions 
it,  since  we  know  the  biliary  vessels  of  other  animals,  as  horses, 
asses,  rats,  &c.  often  have  them  ;  and  above  all,  because  that  they 
are   not  always  present  in  the  rotted  subject.     From  long  expo, 
rience  and  the  almost  invariable  effect  produced  by  a  humid  state 
of  atmosphere,  soil,  and  product,  we  are  warranted  in  concluding 
these  are  the  actual  and  immediate  agents ;  perhaps  the  saturated 
food  itself  is  sufficient  to  do  it.     The  morning  dew  has  been  sup- 
posed  equal  to  it.     Bakewell,  when  his  sheep  were  past  service, 
used  to  rot  them  purposely,  that  they  might  not  pass  into  other 
hands.     This  he  always  readily  did  by  overflowing  his  pasturages. 
But  great  differences  of  opinion  exist  as  to  the  quantity,  form,  and 
varieties  of  moisture  productive  of  this  fatal  disease.     It  is  said 
that  land  on  which  water  flows,  but  does  not  stagnate,  will  not  rot 
however  moist ;  but  this  is  contradicted  by  the  experience  of  Bake- 
well,  who  used  merely  to  flood  his  lands  a  few  times  only  to  rot 
his  sheep.     It  is  also  said  that  they  are  safe  from  rot  on  Irish  bogs, 
salt  marshes,  and  spring  flooded  meadows,  which  experience  seems 
to  verify.     It  is  also   said  that  the  very  hay  made  from  unsound 
land  will  rot ;  but  this  wants  confirmation.     When  salt  marshes 
are  found  injurious  it  is  only  in  such  years  when  the  rain  has  satu- 
rated,  or  rather  super-saturated  such  marshes.     That  putrid  exha- 
lations  unaccompanied  with  moisture  can  occasion  rot,  wants  con- 
firmation also  ;  for  these  commonly  go  together,  and  it  is  diflicult 
to  separate  their  effects.     It  is  not  perhaps  the  actual  quantity  of 
water  immediately  received  by  land,  but  the  capacity  of  that  land 
to  retain  the  moisture,  which  makes  it  particularly  of  a  rotting 
quality. 

228.  The  signs  of  rottenness  are  sufficiently  familiar  to  persons 
about  sheep.  They  first  lose  flesh,  and  what  remains  is  flabby 
and  pale ;  they  lose  also  their  vivacity.  The  naked  parts  as  the 
lips,  tongue,  &-c.  look  livid,  and  are  alternately  hot  and  cold  in  tho 
advanced  stages.  The  eyes  look  sad  and  glassy,  the  breath  is 
fcetid,  the  urine  small  in  quantity  and  high  coloured  :  and  tho 
.oowels  are  at  one  time  costive  and  at  another  affected  with  a  black 
^^urging.  The  pelt  will  come  off  on  the  slightest  pull  in  almost  aIJ 
cases.  The  disease  has  different  degrees  of  rapidity,  but  is  alwav^.i 
"atal  at  last  This  difference  in  degree  occasions  some  rot1<iW 
24* 


212  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

Bheeji  to  thrive  well  under  its  progress  to  a  certain  stage,  when 
they  suddenly  fall  off,  and  the  disease  pursues  the  same  course  witn 
the  rest.  Some  graziers  know  this  crisis  of  declension,  as  it  has 
been  called,  and  kill  their  sheep  for  market  at  the  immediate  nick 
of  time  with  no  loss.  In  these  cases  no  signs  of  the  disease  are 
to  be  traced  by  ordinary  inspectors,  but  the  existence  of  the  flukes, 
and  still  more  a  certain  state  of  liver  and  of  its  secretions,  are 
characteristic  marks  to  the  wary  and  experienced. 

229.  The  treatment  of  rot  is  seldom  successful  unless  when  it  is 
early  commenced,  or  when  of  a  mild  nature  ;  a  total  change  af 
food  is  the  first  indication,  and  that  to  a  dry  wholesome  kind  :  all 
the  farina  are  good,  as  the  meals  of  wheat,  barley,  oats,  peas, 
beans,  ifcc.  Carrots  have  done  good  mixed  with  these  ;  broom, 
burnet,  elder,  and  mellilot,  as  diuretics,  have  also  been  recom- 
mended ;  but  it  is  necessary  to  observe,  that  there  is  seldom  any 
ventral  effusion  but  in  the  latter  stages  of  the  complaint.  As  long 
as  the  liver  is  not  wholly  disorganized,  the  cure  may  be^ hoped'  by 
a  simple  removal  of  the  cause,  which  has  been  shown  to  be  a  va 
riable  temperature,  with  excessive  moisture  of  pasturage  which 
may  also  be  aided  by  sxich  remedies  as  assist  the  action  of  the 
biliary  system  ;  salt  acts  in  this  way,  and  thus  salt  mashes  are  good ; 
Bait  may  also  be  given  in  the  water,  .Salt  appears  the  principal 
ingredient  in  Flesh's  patent  restorative  for  sheep,  for  it  states  it 
to  be  composed  of  turpentine,  sal  ammoniac,  turmeric,  quicksil. 
ver,  brimstone,  salt  opium,  alkanet  root,  bark,  antimony,  camphor, 
and  distilled  water ;  but  in  this  medley  none  of  the  articles  can  be 
m  sufficient  quantity  to  prove  useful,  but  the  salt.  In  the  more 
advanced  stages  of  the  disease,  when  the  liver  has  become  mate- 
i-ially -affected,  it  is  prudent  to  rub  the  bellies  of  each  sheep  with 
half  a  drachm  of  mercurial  ointment  every  other  day  for  a  week  ; 
give  also  the  following,  every  morning ;  watery  tincture  of  aloes 
half  an  ounce  ;  decoction  of  willow  bark,  four  ounces  ;  nitric  acid, 
twenty-five  drops. 

230.  The  pelt  rot,  hunger  rot,  or  naked  disease,  is  a  variety  ol 
the  former,  but  with  this  difference,  that  whereas  the  liver  in  the 
hydroptic  rot,  is  principally  affected ;  in  this  the  whole  of  the 
cliylopoietic  viscera  are  injured  ;  the  mesenteric  glands  are  al- 
ways  swollen  and  obstructed,  and  from  thence  arises  the  emacia- 
Mon  and  unhealthy  state  of  .ill  the  secretions,  by  which  the  rot 
oecomes  incapable  of  receiving  nutriment,  and  falls  off  leaving 
lh«  bodv  bare,  and  in  the  last  stages  the  teeth  and  horns  also 
loosen      Indifferent,  unhealthy  keeping,  is  a  very  common  cause  p* 


DISEASES  OF  SHEEP.  273 

this  malady,  and  a  contrary  course  of  feeding  is  the  best  remedy 
when  the  disease  has  not  gone  on  too  long. 

231.  The  scab,  shah,  ray  or  rubbers,  are  sometimes  erysipelatous 
eruptions,  and  sometimes  they  are  psoric  or  mangy  ones.  In  the 
former  instance  they  are  universal  and  very  red,  occasioning  a  great 
heat  and  itching,  and  are  thence  called  the  rubbers :  in  such  oases, 
nitre  administered  quickly  relieves,  with  change  of  food.  The 
eruptive  scab  is  seldom  cured  without  an  external  application  * 
rifcher  of  those  directed  for  mange,  lowered  to  half  the  strength, 
n  ill  relieve  it  once.     (See  Vet.  Pha.  171  and  172.) 

232.  Foot  rot  sheep  have  a  secretory  outlet  between  the  claws 
peculiar  to  them,  which  is  liable  to  become  obstructed  :  their  feet 
are  also  liable  to  become  injured,  and  then  diseased,  from  travel- 
ling or  continued  standing  on  wet  soils  :  but  the  real  foot  rot  is  an 
♦3ndemial  affection  which  sometimes  attacks  half  of  the  flock.  Il 
?nust  be  attended  to  by  removing  all  diseased  portions,  and  then 
dressing  with  the  thrush  paste,  or  foot  rot  application,  {Vet.  Ph. 
133,)  and  afterwards  wrapping  up  fjom  external  exposure. 

233.  Staggers,  gid,  turnsick,  goggles,  worm  under  the  horn,  stur 
dy,  watery  head,  and  pendro,  are  all  popular  terms  for  hydatids,  or 
an  animal  now  known  as  the  taenis  globulus,  which  by  some  unac- 
countable means,  finds  its  way  to  the  brain  and  settles  itself  there, 
either  in  some  of  its  ventricles  or  more  frequently  on  its  substance. 
Their  size  varies  from  the  smallest  speck  to  that  of  a  pigeon  egg, 
and  the  sheep  it  attacks  are  usually  under  two  years  old.  These 
animals  are  likewise  occasionally  found  in  all  the  natural  ca,vitie3 
of  the  body. 

234.  The  appearances  of  cerebral  hydatids  are,  stupidity,  a  dis- 
position to  sit  on  the  rump,  to  turn  to  one  side,  and  to  incline  the 
head  to  the  same  while  at  rest.  The  eyes  glare,  and  from  oval, 
che  pupils  become  round.  Au  accurate  examination  will  nowusu- 
ally  discover  some  softness  at  a  particular  part  of  the  skull,  gene- 
rally on  the  contrary  side  to  that  which  the  animal  hangs  the  head : 
when  no  softness  of  the  skull  is  discernable,  the  hydatid  usually 
exists  in  some  of  the  ventricles,  and  the  destruction  of  the^  sheep 
.s  certain  and  quick,  from  the  greater  disturbance  to  the  functions 
of  the  brain  ;  but  when  it  is  situated  on  the  surface,  it  sometimes 
requires  many  months  to  destroy;  an  absorption  of  tlire  bone  takea 
place  and  the  hydatid  increases,  which  produces  the  thir  ncss  in  tbu 
EKull  ooposite  to  the  affected  part. 


274  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

235.  This  disease  is  not  incurable,  as  has  been  supposed,  but  it  is 
only  rilieved  by  a  manual  operation.  In  France  it  has  been  succebs- 
fully  treated  by  the  application  of  the  actual  cautery  :  a  pointed 
iron,  heated  red  hot,  is  forced  through  the  skm  and  skull,  to  the 
gfurface  of  the  brain  ;  the  principal  nicity  of  which,  is  in  penetrating 
the  hydatid  with  the  hot  iron  without  wounding  the  brain  itself. 
In  England,  some  shepherds  are  very  dexterous  at  wiring,  which 
they  do  by  thrusting  a  wire  up  the  nbstrils  till  it  rests  against  the 
skull.     In  the  passage  of  the  wire,  the  hydatid  is  usually  ruptured  ,* 
others  elevate  the  skull  (by  means  of  a  trephine,  or  even  a  knife) 
opposite  to  the  soften  portion,  and  extract  the  hydatid,  if  possi 
ble,   whole,  which  a  little    care  will  effect,  by  drawing  it  away 
with  a  blunt  pincer,  gently  moving  it  from  side  to  side.     Tapping 
IS  merely  letting  out  the  fluid  contents  of  the  hydatid  by  an  awl, 
which  is  practised  by  some  shepherds  with  success  ;  and  if  the 
mstrument  be  not  thrust  too  far,  the  animal  is  never  injured  ;  to 
avoid  which,  it  is  passed  obliquely.     A  well  hardened  gimblet  is 
a  proper  instrument,  with  which  the   skull  is  easily   penetrated, 
and  an   opening  by  the  twisting  of  the  instrument  is  made,  suffi- 
ciently large  in  the  hydatid  itself,  to  discharge  its  contents,  which 
IS  all  that  is  sufficient  to  insure  its  destruction,  and  which,  if  no 
other  exist,  is  followed  by  immediate  recovery. 

236.  Frontal  worms.  Sheep  are  observed  to  gather  together, 
with  their  noses  thrust  inward  to  avoid  the  attack  of  the  oestrus 
ovis,  or  fly,  that  lays  its  eggs  on  the  inner  margin  of  the  nose, 
which,  having  become  hatched,  the  larva  creep  up  into  the  fron- 
tal and  maxillary  sinuses,  to  the  torment  of  the  sheep.  It  is  re- 
commended to  cover  their  nostrils  during  the  short  stay  of  these 
insects,  with  a  gauzy  substance,  through  which  the  animal  can 
breathe,  and  keeping  it  on  with  some  adhesive  plaster,  &c.  or 
daubing  the  nose  often  with  tar,  train  oil,  or  mercurial  ointment, 
&c.  Remedy — Take  half  a  pound  of  good  Scotch  snuflf,  pour  two 
quarts  of  boiling  water  on  it,  stir  it  and  let  it  stand  till  cold,  inject 
ttbout  a  table  spoonful  up  each  nostril,  with  a  syringe  ;  repeat  three 
or  four  times  at  proper  intervals,  from  the  middle  of  October  to  the 
first  of  January.  Half  an  ounce  of  assafoetida  pounded  in  a  little 
water  added  to  the  snuff"  will  make  it  more  effectual.  The  owne^ 
need  not  be  alarmed  after  the  operation  to  see  the  sheep  very 
drunk,  &c.  as  they  will  soon  recover. 

237.  Fluke   loorms  are   a  parasitic  animal,  found  in  tLe  biliary 
r muses,  not  only  of  the  sheep,  but  of  the   horse,  ass,  goat,  deer 
&c.  and  whose  existence  is  rather  a  consequence  than  a  cause  of 
rn.Tbiditv 


DISEASES  OF   SHEEP.  275 

238.  Diseases  of  lambs  are  confined  to  indigestion,  and  eruption 
of  secreted  matter :  the  former  shows  itself  in  colic,  which  is  re- 
J)<»ved  as  in  sheep,  and  also  by  diarrhoea,  to  be  likewise  cured  by 
the  means  detailed  for  them ;  the  latter  is  more  obstinate,  begins 
on  the  rump,  gradually  extending  along  the  chine,  and  when  it 
becomes  more  universal,  it  usually  destroys.  The  cure  consists  in 
giving  daily  drinks  of  half  a  drachm  of  cream  of  tartar,  and  one 
drachm  of  sulphur,  in  four  ounces  of  chamomile  decoction.  Anomt 
also  with  mild  mercurial  ointment  and  Turner's  cerate  in  equal 
quantities. 

239.  Poison.  Sheep  are  often  poisoned  by  eating  laurel  or  ivy, 
as  it  is  commonly  called  (not  the  magnolium.)  The  symptoms  o1 
which  is  their  foaming  at  the  mouth,  tlien  vomiting  the  half  mas- 
ticated leaves  and  green  juice,  by  which  the  mouth  of  the  animal 
is  discoloured.  Remedy — Take  a  gill  of  sweet  oil,  hog's  lard,  or 
fresh  butter  ;  mix  it  with  i  pint  of  new  milk.  If  taken  seasonably 
\t  will  effect  a  cure.  Or,  an  egg  given  to  each  of  the  diseased,  in 
the  shape  of  a  natural  bolus,  by  simply  breaking  the  egg  snd  slip- 
ping the  yelk,  and  as  much  white  as  practicable,  down  the  throat 
of  the  animal.  The  sheep,  after  swallowing  the  egg,  will  vomit 
dp  the  leaves  and  green  juice,  but  none  of  the  egg.  To  cows  give 
four  times  the  quantity. 

240.  To  destroy  sheep  ticks.  Make  a  weak  solution  of  arsenic, 
in  which  the  lambs  are  to  be  dipped  a  few  days  after  shearing 
the  sheep,  as  the  ticks  having  then  no  harbour  on  the  old  sheep, 
will  resort  to  the  lambs  for  shelter — this  is  the  time  to  destroy 
them.  Not  the  smallest  injury  will  occur  to  the  sheep,  provided 
you  take  care  to  keep  the  head  out  of  the  water.  Three  persona 
are  necessary — two  to  hold  and  dip  the  lamb,  the  third  to  squeeze 
the  wool  while  the  lamb  is  held  over  the  tub.  Or — An  ointment 
made  of  Scotch  snuff  and  hog's  lard,  or  train  oil,  will  kill  or  destroy 
them  by  one  application.  One  ounce  of  snuff  to  a  pouud  of  lard 
or  oil,  is  about  the  pioportion. 

241.  The  castrating  lamhts,  may  be  performed  any  time  from  the 
age  of  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks,  to  that  of  a  month  or  six  weeks, 
the  lambs  should  be  in  a  healthy  state  wb*in  it  is  done,  as  under 
any  other  circumsitance  they  are  likely  to  be  destroyed  by  it.  The 
operation  is  performed  by  opening  the  scrotum  or  cod  and  draw- 
mg  out  the  testicles  with  the  spermatic  cord.  This  is  often  dana 
with  the  teeth  in  the  young  state  of  the  animal,  but  when  the  opo 
ration  is  performed  at  a  later  period,  it  is  usual  to  have  recour«» 


276  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

to  the  knife,  the  arteries  being  taken  up  and  secured  by  means  o* 
ligatures  or  the  searing  iron ;  the  business  to  be  done  in  fair  wua 
tlier,  when  not  too  warm ;  the  gelded  Iambs,  &c.  should  be  kepi  ir 
a  dry  shelter  and  quiet  situation  for  a  few  days. 

Sore  nipples.  Lambs  very  often  die  of  hunger  from  their  dams 
refusing  them  suck.  The  cause  of  this  is  sore  nipples,  or  some 
tumour  in  the  udder,  in  which  Violent  p^in  is  excited  by  the  stiik- 
jiig  of  the  lamb.  Washing  witn  s'ig?-  n*  lia'i'cxd  wa^r  c  soirita, 
TviJ.  remove  the  complaint. 


I 


OF  THE 

DISEASES  OF  SWINE. 

242.  Swine  are  subject  to  various  diseases,  but  according  to  Ijau 
pence,  they  are  not  easily  doctored.  Tiiey  are  subject,  he  anys,  1o 
pox  or  measles,  blood  striking,  staggers,  quincy,  indigestion,  catarrh, 
peripneumonia,  and  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  called  heavings. 
When  sick,  pigs  will  eat,  and  they  will  take  medicine  in  their  wash  , 
when  they  will  not  eat,  there  is  no  help  for  thern.  As  aperients, 
cleansers,  and  alteratives,  sulphur,  antimony,  and  madder,  are  our 
grand  specifics,  and  they  are  truly  useful.  As  cordials  and  tonics, 
»reacle  and  strong  beer,  in  warm  wash,  and  good  peas  and  pollard. 
in  the  measles,  sulphur,  &c.  and,  if  the  patient  require  it,  give  cor- 
dials now  and  then ;  in  staggers,  bleeding,  fresh  air,  and  perhaps 
nitre  ;  in  catarrh,  a  warm  bed,  and  warm  cordial  wash,  and  the  same 
in  quincy  or  inflammation  of  the  glands  in  the  throat.  If  external 
suppuration  appear  likely,  discharge  the  matter  when  ripe,  and 
dress  with  tar  and  brandy,  or  balsam.  The  heavings  or  unsoundness 
of  the  lungs  in  pigs,  like  the  unsoundness  of  the  liver  in  lambs,  is 
sometimes  found  to  be  hereditary ;  there  is  no  remedy.  This  dis- 
ease in  pigs  is  often  the  consequence  of  colds  fiom  wet  lodging,  or 
hasty  feeding  in  a  poor  state ;  in  a  certain  stage  it  is  highly  inflam- 
matory,  and  without  remedy.  Unction  with  train  oil,  and  the 
internal  .ise  cf  it,  have  been  sometimes  thought  beneficial. 

243.  Cutting  and  spaying.  Cutting  the  young  pig  is  performed 
at  six  or  seven. weeks  old,  according  to  their  strength;  in  a  week 
after  which  they  may  be  weaned.  After  weaning  shut  up  the  sow 
closely,  feed  well,  and  on  the  reflux  of  the  milk,  she  will  express 
very  loudly  her  desire  for  the  company  of  the  boar.  It  is  necessary 
to  siate  that  sows  are  voracious,  and  occasionally  fierce  and  savage 
animals,  and  have  actually  devoured  young  children.     The  sow  ia 


278  DISEASES  OF  SWINE. 

spayed  while  sliC  gives  suck,  and  the  boar  safely  castrated  at  any 
age.  The  operation  of  castrating  is  performed  by  cutting  them 
across  the  middle  of  each  stone,  then  pull  t|iem  gently  out  and 
anoint  the  wound  with  tar.  Spaying  is  performed  by  cutting  in  the 
tnid  flank,  on  the  left  side,  with  a  sharp  knife  or  lancet,  in  order  to 
extirpate  or  cut  off  the  parts  destined  for  conception,  and  then  stitch 
up  the  wound,  anoint  the  part  wiili  tar  salve,  keeping  the  animal 
(varm  for  two  or  three  days.  The  usual  way  is  to  make  the  incision 
ni  a  sloping  manner,  two  inches  and  a  half  long,  that  the  fore  finger 
may  be  put  in  towards  the  back,  to  feel  for  the  ovaries,  which  are 
two  kernels  as  big  as  acorns,  one  on  each  side  of  the  uterus,  one  of 
which  bemg  drawn  towards  the  wound,  the  cord  or  string  is  cut, 
and  thu8  both  taken  cut. 


'1  HE  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

214.  The  diseases  of  dogs  Rre  very  numerous.  The 
following  are  described  by  Blaine  as  the  most  preva- 
lent, with  their  methods  of  cure. 

245.  The  canine  asthma  is  hardly  ever  observed  to  attack  any 
but  either  old  dogs,  or  those  who,  by  confinement,  too  full  living, 
and  want  of  exercise,  may  be  supposed  to  have  become  diseased  by 
these  deviations  from  a  state  of  nature.  It  is  hardly  possible  to  keep 
a  dog  very  fat  for  any  great  length  of  time,  without  bringing  it  on. 
This  cough  is  frequently  confounded  with  the  cough  that  precedes 
and  accompanies  the  distemper,  but  it  may  be  readily  distinguished 
from  this  by  an  attention  to  circumstances,  as  the  age  of  the  animal, 
its  not  affecting  the  general  health,  nor  producing  immediate  ema- 
ciation,  and  its  less  readily  giving  way  to  medicine. 

246.  The  cure  is  often  very  difficult,  because  the  disease  has  in 
general  been  long  neglected  before  it  is  sufficiently  noticed  by  the 
owners.  As  it  is  m  general  brought  on  by  confinement,  too  much 
warmth,  and  over  feeding  ;  so  it  is  evident  the  cure  must  be  begun 
oy  a  steady,  persevering  alteration  in  these  particulars.  The  medi 
ernes  most  useful,  are  alteratives,  and  of  these  occasionally  emetics 
are  the  best.  One  grain  of  tartarised  antimony  (i.  e.  tartar  emetic) 
with  two,  three,  or  four  grains  of  calomel,  is  a  very  useful  and 
valuable  emetic.  This  dose  is  sufficient  for  a  small  dog,  ana  mai? 
be  repeated  twice  a  week  with  great  success — always  with  palliation 

247.  Of  diseases  of  the  eye,  dogs  are  subject  to  almost  as  great  a 
variety  as  ourselves,  many  of  which  end  in  blindness.     No  troa» 
oiont  yet  discovered  will  remove  or  prevent  this  complaint. 

25 


280  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

248.  &ore  eyes,  though  not  in  general  ending  in  blindness,  ar« 
very  common  among  dogs.  It  is  an  affection  of  the  eyelids,  is  not 
unlike  the  scrofulous  affection  of  the  human  eyelids,  and  is  equally 
benefitted  by  the  same  treatment :  an  unguent  made  of  equal  parts 
of  nitrated  quicksilver  ointment,  prepared  tutty  and  lard,  very  lightly 
applied.  Dropsy  of  the  eyeball  is  likewise  sometimes  met  with, 
out  it  is  incurable. 

249.  Cancer.   The  virulent  dreadful  ulcer,  that  is  so  fatal  in  lh« 
human  subject,  and  is  called  cancer,  is  unknown  in  dogs  ;  yet  ther« 
is  very  commonly  a  large  schirrus  swelling  of  the  teats  in  bitches 
and  of  the  testicles  (though  less  frequent)  in  dogs,  that  as  it  some 
times  becomes  ulcerated,  so  it  may  be  characterized  by  this  name 
In  the  early  state  of  the  disease  discutients  prove  useful,  as  vinegaj 
with  salt,  and  camphor  and  Spanish  flies,  with  mercurial  ointment, 
jiave  sometimes  succeeded  ;  taking  care  to  avoid  irritating  the  part 
BO  much  as  to  produce  blister.     But  when  the  swelling  is  detached 
from  the  belly,  and  hangs  pendulous  in  the  skin,  it  had  better  be 
removed,  and  as  a  future  preventative  suffer  the  bitch  to  breed. 
Scliirrus  testicles  are  likewise  s  )metimes  met  with ;  for  these  no 
treatment  yet  discovered  succeeds  but  the  removal  of  the  part,  and 
that  before  the  spermatic  chord  becomes  much  affected,  or  it  will 
be  useless. 

250.  Colic.  Dogs  are  subject  to  two  kinds  of  colic ;  one  arising 
from  constipation  of  the  bowels,  the  other  is  a  kind  peculiar  to  dogs, 
apparently  partaking  of  the  nature  of  rheumatism,  and  also  of  spasm. 
From  a  sudden  or  violent  exposure  to  cold,  dogs  become  sometimes 
suddenly  paralytic,  particularly  in  the  hinder  parts ;  having  great 
tenderness  and  pain,  and  every  appearance  of  lumbago.  In  every 
instance  of  this  kind,  there  is  considerable  affection  of  the  bowels, 
generally  costiveness,  always  great  pain.  A  v/arm  bath,  external 
stimulants,  but  more  particularly  active  aperients,  remove  the  colic. 
Colic  arising  from  costiveness,  is  not  in  general  violently  acute  from 
the  pain  it  produces;  sometimes,  however,  it  appears  accompanied 
with  more  spasm  than  is  immediately  dependent  on  the  confinem  ?nt 
of  the  bowels.  In  the  former  give  active  aperients,  as  calomel  w  tli 
pil.  cochioe,  i.  e.  aloetic  pill  and  clysters;  in  the  latter  castar  j'J 
with  laudanum  and  ether. 

251.  Cough.  Two  kinds  of  cough  are  common  among  dogs,  tns 
accompanying  distemper,  the  other  in  an  asthmatic  affection  of  th« 
chest.  (See  245,  252.) 

252.  Distemper.  Tliis  is  by  far  the  most  common  and  most  fatal 
among  the  diseases  of  dogs  ;  hardly  any  young  dog  escapes  it — and 
of  the  few  who  do  escape  it  in  their  youtn,  mree-iourtns  are  atta,cked 
with  it  at  Some  oeriod  afterwards :  it  being  a  mistake  that   young 


DISEASES  OP  DOGS.  281 

dogs  only  have  it.  It  however,  generally  attacks  before  the  animal 
arrives  at  eighteen  months  old.  When  it  comes  on  very  early,  the 
chances  of  recovery  are  very  small.  It  is  peculiarly  fatal  to  grev 
hounds,  much  more  so  than  to  any  other  kind  of  dog,  generally 
carrying-  them  off  by  excessive  scouring.  It  is  very  contagious,  bui 
it  is  by  no  means  necessary  that  there  should  be  contagion  present 
to  produce  it ;  on  the  contrary,  the  constitutional  liability  to  it  is 
cuch,  that  any  cold  taken  may  bring  it  on  ;  and  hence  it  is  very  com- 
mon to  date  its  commencement  from  dogs  being  thrown  into  water, 
or  shut  out  on  a  rainy  day,  &c.  There  is  no  disease  which  pre- 
sents such  varieties  as  this,  either  in  its  mode  of  attack,  or  during 
its  continuance.  In  some  cases  it  commences  by  purging,  in  others 
by  fits.  Some  have  cough  only,  some  waste,  and  others  have 
moisture  from  the  eyes  and  nose,  without  any  other  active  symptom. 
Moist  eyes,  dullness,  wasting  with  slight  cough,  and  sickness,  are 
the  common  symptoms  that  betoken  its  approach.  Then  purging 
comes  on,  and  the  moisture  from  the  eyes  and  nose  from  mere  mucus, 
becom.es  pus  or  matter — there  is  also  frequently  sneezing,  with  a 
weakness  in  the  loins.  When  the  disease  in  this  latter  case  is  not 
speedily  removed,  universal  palsy  comes  on — during  the  progress 
of  the  complaint  some  dogs  have  fits.  When  one  fit  succeeds 
another  quickly,  the  recovery  is  extremely  doubtful.  Many  dogs 
are  carried  off  rapidly  by  the  fits  or  by  purging ;  other  waste  gradu- 
ally from  the  running  from  the  nose  and  eyes,  and  these  cases  are 
always  accompanied  with  great  marks  of  putridity. 

253.  The  cure.  In  the  early  stages  of  the  complaint  give  emetics  ; 
they  are  peculiarly  useful.  A  large  spoonful  of  common  salt  dis- 
solved in  three  spoonfuls  of  warm  water,  has  been  recommended ; 
the  quantity  of  salt  being  increased  according  to  the  size  of  the  dog, 
and  the  difficulty  of  making  him  vomit.  While  a  dog  remains 
strong,  one  every  other  day  is  not  too  much :  the  bowels  should  be 
kept  open,  but  active  purging  should  be  avoided.  In  case  the  com- 
plaint should  be  accompanied  with  excessive  looseness,  it  should  be 
immediately  stopped-  by  balls  made  of  equal  parts  of  opium,  gum 
arable,  prepared  chalk,  and  conserve  of  roses  with  rice  milk  as  food 
Two  or  three  grains  of  James'  powder  may  be  advantageosuly  given 
at  night,  in  cases  where  the  bowels  are  not  affi3cted,*and  in  the  cases 
where  the  matter  from  the  nose  and  ej^es  betokens  much  putridity, 
we  have  v/itnessed  great  benefits  from  balls  made  of  v/hat  is  termea 
Friar's  balsam,  gum  guaiacum,  and  chamomile  flowers  in  powder 
Dogs  in  every  stage  of  tlie  disease  should  be  particularly  well  fi;d 
A  seton  we  have  not  found  so  useful  as  is  generally  supposed  . 
ft'here  the  nose  is  much  stopped  rubbing  tar  on  tlio  upp<?r  part  :* 


262  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

useful,  uid  when  there  is  much  stupidity  and  the  head  seems  ruacc 
atTecled,  a  blister  on  the  top  is  serviceable. 

Or,  Take  one  part  aloes,  two  parts  salt  petre,  and  four  parts  sul- 
phur ;  incorporate  the  whole  together,  and  take  as  much  as  will  lie 
on  the  point  of  a  dinner  knife,  either  put  it  into  warm  milk,  and 
drench  the  dog,  or  give  it  to  hhn  in  slices  of  meat.  Tie  up  your 
Qog  for  twenty.four  hours  after,  and  repeat  the  same  in  a  day  or  two 
after,  should  the  dog  not  be  relieved. 

254.  Fits.  Dogs  are  peculiarly  subject  to  fits.  These  are  of 
various  kinds  and  arise  from  various  causes.  In  distemper,  dogs 
are  frequently  attacked  with  convulsive'  fits,  which  begin  with  a 
champing  of  the  mouth  and  shaking  of  the  head,  gradually  extending 
over  the  whole  body.  Sometimes  an  active  emetic  will  stop  their 
progress,  but  more  generally  they  prove  fatal.  Woi-ms  are  often  the 
cause  of  fits  in  dogs.  These  deprive  the  animal  wholly  of  sense  ; 
he  runs  wild  till  he  becomes  exhausted,  when  he  gradually  recovers, 
and  perhaps  does  not  have  one  again  for  some  weeks.  Confine 
ment  produces  fits  and  likewise  costiveness.  Cold  water  thrown 
over  a  dog  will  generally  remove  the  present  attack  of  a  fit ;  and 
for  the  prevention  of  their  future  recurrence  it  is  evident  that  the 
foregoing  account  of  causes  mUot  be  attended  to. 

255.  Inflamed  bowels.  Dogs  are  very  subject  to  inflammation 
of  their  bowels,  from  costiveness,  from  cold,  or  from  poijson.  When 
inflammation  arises  from  costiveness,  it  is  in  general  very  slow  in 
its  progress,  and  is  not  attended  with  very  acute  pain,  but  it  is 
characterized  by  the  want  of  evacuation  and  the  vomiting  of  food 
taken,  though  it  may  be  eaten  with  apparent  appetite.  In  these 
cases,  the  principal  means  to  be  made  use  of,  are  the  removal  of 
the  constipation  by  active  purging,  clysters,  and  the  warm  bath. 
Calomel  with  aloes  forms  the  best  purge.  But  when  the  inflam 
mation  may  be  supposed  to  arise  from  cold,  then  the  removal  of 
any  costiveness  that  may  be  present,  is  but  a  secondary  consider- 
ation. This  active  kind  of  inflammation  is  characterized  by  violeiil 
panting,  total  rejection  of  food  and  constant  sickness.  There  is  great 
heat  in  the  belly,  and  great  pain ;  it  is  also  accompanied  with  great 
weakness  and  the  eyes  are  very  red.  The  bowels  should  be  gently 
opened  with  clysters,  but  no  aloes  or  calomel  should  be  made  use 
of.  Thfc  belly  should  be  blistered,  having  first  used  the  warm  bath 
When  the  mflammation  arises  from  poison,  there  is  then  constant 
sickness,  the  nose,  pawS:  and  ears  are  cold,  and  there  is  a  frequent 
evacuation  of  orown  or  bloody  stools.  Castor  oil  should  be  given, 
unu  clysters  of  mutton  broth  thrown  up,  but  it  is  seldom  any  treat- 
*nent  succeeds 

256      Inflamed  lurigs.     Pleurisy    is    not   an    uncomiior    diseasr 


DISEASES  OF  DOGS.  283 

Rnvjng  dogs.  It  is  sometimes  epidemic,  carrying  off  great  numbers, 
its  attack  is  rapid  and  it  generally  terminates  in  death  on  the  tliird 
day,  by  a  great  effusion  of  water  in  the  chest.  It  is  seldom  thai 
it  is  taken  in  time,  when  it  is,  bleeding  is  useful,  and  blisters  may 
be  applied  to  the  chest. 

257.  Madness.  The  symptoms  of  madness  are  concisely  summed 
up  by  Daniel,  in  the  following  words  :  "  at  first  the  dog  looks  dull, 
shows  an  aversion  to  his  food  and  company,  does  not  bark  as  usual, 
but  seems  to  murmur ;  is  peevish  and  apt  to  bite  strangers ;  his 
ears  and  tail  drop  more  than  usual,  and  he  appears  drowsy ;  after, 
wards  he  begins  to  loll  out  his  tongue  and  froth  at  the  mouth,  his 
eyes  seeming  heav)''  and  watery ;  if  not  confined  he  soon  goes  off. 
runs  panting  along  with  a  dejected  air,  and  endeavours  to  bite  any 
one  he  meets."  As  persons  are  continually  alarmed  at  the  approach 
of  every  strange  dog,  the  following  observations  founded  on  expe- 
rience may  be  of  service  in  knowing  what  dogs  to  avoid :  I  have 
seen  many  mad  dogs  but  never  knew  one  in  that  state  to  curl  its 
tail.  This  is  a  certain  indication  of  not  being  mad  :  If  you  see  a 
dog  dirty  at  the  mouthy  coming  at  a  trot  with  his  head  high,  and  a 
drooping  tail  avoid  him  as  a  viper.  Or  if  you  see  one  sitting  sickly 
and  dirty  at  the  mouth,  avoid  him,  though  it  is  not  likely  that  he 
will  snap  at  you  in  that  period  of  the  disease.  I  never  met  a  mad 
dog,  on  being  pursued,  (if  his  pursuers  were  not  in  actual  reach  to 
stone  him,  &lc.)  to  exhibit  any  signs  of  fear,  he  generally  goes  if 
not  impeded,  in  a  straight  line  against  the  wind  at  a  brisk  trot, 
wholly  unconcerned  at  the  shouts  of  the  multitude  pursuing  him, 
and  never  squats  his  tail.  I  never  knew  a  dog  that  was  not  mad,  on 
being  pursued  and  shouted  after  by  a  number  of  people,  not  to  exhibit 
every  symptom  of  terror — squatting  his  tail,  turning  his  head  and 
scampering  in  every  direction.  If  a  mad  dog  escapes  being  killed, 
he  seldom  runs  above  two  or  three  days,  when  he  dies,  exhausted 
with  heat,  hunger,  and  disease.  As  this  is  a  subject  of  no  slight 
importance,  we  shall  stand  excused  for  introducing  the  criteria  as 
described  by  Blaine,  whose  account  of  the  disease  founded  on  long 
experience  and  attentive  observation,  is  calculated  to  remove  many 
unfounded  and  dangerous  prejudices  relative  to  it.  He  describes  it 
ais  commencing  sometimes  by  dullness,  stupidity  and  retreat  from 
observation  ;  but  more  frequently,  particularly  in  these  dogs  that 
are  immediately  domesticated  around  us,  by  some  alteration  in  theii 
natural  habits  ;  as  a  disposition  to  pick  up  and  swallow  every  minute 
object  on  the  ground;  or  to  lick  the  parts  of  another  dog  incessantly, 
or  to  lap  his  own  urine,  &c.  About  the  second  or  third  Jay.  the 
disease  usually  resolves  itself  into  one  of  two  types.  The  one  is  f/a, 
Uid  raging  and  the  otlier  dumb  madness.  These  distinctions  are  no< 
25* 


284  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

however  always  clear ;  and  to  which  is  owing  so  much  of  discrep 
ancy  in  the  accounts  given  by  different  persons  of  the  disease. 

258.  The  raging  madness,  by  its  term  has  led  to  an  erroneous 
conclusion,  that  it  is  accompanied  with  violence  and  fury,  which 
however,  is  seldom  the  case :  such  dogs  are  irritable  and  snappish, 
and  will  commonly  fly  at  a  stick  held  to  them,  and  are  impatient  of 
restraint ;  but  they  are  seldom  violent  except  when  irritated  or 
worried.  On  the  contrary,  till  the  last  moment  they  will  often 
acknowledge  the  voice  of  their  master  and  yield  some  obedience  to 
it.  Neither  will  they  usually  turn  out  of  their  way  to  bite  human 
persons,  but  they  have  an  instinctive  disposition  to  do  it  to  dogs, 
and  in  a  minor  degree  to  other  animals  also ;  but  as  before  observed, 
seldom  attack  mankind  without  provocation. 

259.  Dumb  madness  is  so  called,  because  there  is  seldom  any 
barking  heard,  but  more  particularly,  because  the  jaws  drop  para- 
lytic,  and  the  tongue  lolls  out  of  the  mouth,  black,  and  apparently 
strangulated :  a  strong  general  character  of  the  disease,  is  the  dis- 
position to  scratch  their  bed  towards  their  belly ;  and  equally  so  is 
the  general  tendency  to  eat  trash,  as  hay,  straw,  wood,  coals,  dirt, 
&c.  and  it  should  be  remembered,  that  this  is  so  very  common  and 
60  invariable,  that  the  finding  these  matters  in  the  stomach  after 
death,  should  alwa3^s  render  a  suspicion  formed  of  the  existence  of 
the  disease,  confirmed  into  certainty.     Blaine  is  also  at  great  pains 
to  disprove  the  notion  generally  entertained  that  rabid  dogs  are 
averse  to  water  ;  and  neither  drink  or  come  near  it.     This  error,  he 
contends,  has  led  to  most  dangerous  results  ;  and  is  so  far  from 
true,  that  mad  dogs,  from  their  heat  and  fever,  are  solicitous  foi 
water,  and  lap  it  eagerly.     When  the  dumb  kind  exists  in  its  fuL' 
force,  dogs  cannot  swallow  what  they  attempt  to  lap  ;  but  still  thej' 
will  plunge  their  heads  in  it,  and  appear  to  feel  relief  by  it :  but  ip 
no  instance  out  of  many  hundreds,  did  he  ever  discover  the  smallest 
aversion  to  it.     He  lays  very  great  stress  on  the  noise  made  by 
rabid  dogs,  which  he  says  is  neither  a  bark  nor  a  howl,  but   a 
lone  compounded  of  both.     It  has  been  said  by  some  that  this 
disorder  is  occasioned  by  heat  or  bad  food,  and  by  others  that 
vt  never  arises  from  any  other  cause  but  the  bite.     Accordingly 
this  malady  is  rare  in  the  northern  parts  of  Turkey,  more  rare  in 
Ihe  southern  parts  of  that  empire,   and  totally  unknown  under 
the    burning   sky  of   Egypt.     At   Aleppo,  wliere    these   animals 
perish  in  great  numbers  for  want  of  water  and  food,  and  by  the 
heat  of  the    climate,  this  disorder  was  never   known.     In  other 
parts  of  Africa  and  in  the  hottest  zone  in  America,  dogs  are  ne- 
ver  attacked  with  madnesa.     Blaine  knows  of  no  instance  of  th« 
oomplamt  being  cured,  although  he  has  tried  to  their  fullest  o^tenJ. 


DISEASES  OF   DOGS.  285 

the  popular  remedies  of  profuse  bleedings,  strong  mercurial  and  ar- 
jsenical  doses,  vinegar,  partial  drowning,  night  shade,  water  plan 
tain,  &c.  he  therefore  recommends  the  attention  to  be  principally 
directed  towards  the  prevention  of  the  malady. 

2G0.  The  preventive  treatment  of  rabies  or  madness,  is  according 
to  Blaine,  always  an  easy  process  in  the  human  subject,  from  the 
immediate  part  bitten,  being  easily  detected ;  in  which  case  the 
removal  of  the  part  by  excision  or  cautery  is  an  effectual  remedy. 
But  unfortunate  for  the  agriculturist,  it  is  not  easy  to  detect  t^e 
bitten  parts  in  cattle,  nor  in  dogs ;  and  it  would  be  therefore  most 
desirable  if  a  certain  internal  preventive  were  generally  known. 
Dr.  Mead's  powder,  the  Ormskirk  powder,  sea  bathing,  and  many 
other  nostrums  are  deservedly  in  disrepute  :  while  a  few  counir_y 
remedies,  but  little  known  beyond  their  immediate  precincts,  have 
maintained  some  character.  Conceiving  that  these  must  all  pos- 
sess some  ingredient  in  common,  he  was  at  pains  to  discover  it 
and  which  he  appears  to  have  realized  by  obtaining  among  others 
the  compositions  of  Webb's  Watford  drink.  In  this  mixture,  which 
IS  detailed  below,  he  considers  the  active  ingredient  to  be  the  buxus 
or  box,  v/hich  has  been  known  as  a  prophylactic  as  long  as  tho 
times  of  Hippocrates  and  Celsus,  who  both  mention  it.  The  reci- 
pe  detailed  below  has  been  administered  to  nearly  three  hundred 
animals  of  different  kinds,  as  horses,  cows,  sheep,  swine  and  dogs  • 
and  appears  to  have  succeeded  in  nineteen  out  of  every  twenty  cases 
where  it  was  fairly  taken  and  kept  on  the  stomach.  It  appears 
also  equally  efficacious  in  the  human  subject ;  in  which  case  ho 
advises  the  extirpation  of  the  bitten  parts  also.  The  box  preven- 
tive is  thus  directed  to  be  prepared  : — Take  of  the  fresh  leaves  of 
the  tree-box,  two  ounces;  of  the  fresh  leaves  of  rue,  two  ounces;  of 
sage,  half  an  ounce  ;  chop  these  fine  and  boil  in  a  pint  of  water  to 
half  a  pint ;  strain  carefully,  and  press  out  the  liquor  very  firml}'- , 
put  back  the  ingredients  into  a  pint  of  milk,  and  boil  again  to  half 
a  pint ;  strain  as  before  ;  mix  both  liquors,  which  forms  three  do- 
ses for  a  human  subject.  Double  this  quantity  is  proper  for  o  horse 
or  cow.  Two-thirds  of  the  quantity  is  sufficient  for  a  largo  dog , 
half  for  a  middling  sized,  and  one-third  for  a  small  dog.  Three  do. 
ses  are  sufficient,  giving  each  subsequent  morning  fasting,  the  ouan 
tity  directed  being  that  which  forms  these  three  doses.  As  it  some, 
times  produces  strong  effects  on  dogs,  it  may  be  proper  to  bogiji 
with  a  small  dose,  but  in  the  case  of  dogs  we  hold  it  alwav^  oru- 
dent  to  increase  the  dose  till  the  effects  are  evident,  by  the  sick 
ness,  panting,  and  uneasiness  of  the  dog.  In  ine  humnin  s"l>jec» 
where  this  remedy  appears  equally  efficacious,  we  have  neve'"  wiu 
uessed  any  unpleasaiit  or  artive  effects,  neither  are  suoh  ob.<^TTveii 


286  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

in  cattle  of  any  kind.  About  forty  human  persons  have  taken  this 
remedy,  and  in  every  instance  it  has  succeeded  equally  as  with  ani- 
mals :  but  candor  obliges  us  to  notice  that  in  a  considerable  pro- 
portion  of  these,  other  means  were  used,  as  the  actual  or  potential 
cautery  :  but  in  all  the  animals  other  means  were  purposely  omit 
ted.  That  this  remedy  therefore  has  a  preventive  quality,  is  un- 
questionable, an'^  now  perfectly  established  ;  for  there  was  not  the 
smallest  doubt  of  the  animals  mentioned  either  havinsr  been  bitten, 
or  of  the  dog  being  mad  who  bit  them,  as  great  pains  were  in  every 
instance  taken  to  ascertain  these  points. 

261.  To  prevent  canine  madness.  Pliny  recommends  worming 
of  dogs ;  and  from  his  time  to  the  present  it  has  had,  most  de- 
eervedly  says  Daniel  its  advocates.  He  tells  us,  that  he  had  various 
opportunities  of  proving  the  usefulness  of  this  practice,  and  re- 
commends its  general  introduction.  The  fact,  however,  is,  that 
taking  out  the  worm  has  nothing  to  do  with  annihilating  the  dis- 
order, although  it  will  most  certainly  hinder  the  dog  seized  with 
it  from  doing  any  hurt  to  man  or  beast.  A  late  author  asserts,  he 
had  three  dogs  that  were  wormed,  bit  by  mad  dogs  at  three  se- 
veral periods,  yet  notwithstanding  they  all  died  mad — they  did 
not  bite,  nor  do  any  mischief,  that  being  determined  to  make  a 
full  experiment,  he  shut  one  of  the  mad  dogs  up  in  a  kennel,  and 
put  to  him  a  dog  he  did  not  value — the  mad  dog  often  run  at  the 
other  to  bite  him,  but  his  tongud  was  so  swelled  that  he  could 
not  make  his  teeth  meet ;  the  dog  was  kept  in  the  kennel  until 
the  mad  one  died,  and  was  purposely  preserved  for  two  years  af- 
terwards,  to  note  the  effect,  but  he  never  ailed  any  thing,  although 
no  remedies  were  applied  to  check  any  infection  that  might  have 
been  received  from  the  contact  of  the  dog.  The  writer  has  had 
various  opportunities  of  proving  the  usefulness  of  worming,  and 
inserts  three  of  the  most  striking  instances,  under  the  hope  of  in- 
ducing its  general  practice.  A  terrier-bitch  went  mad,  that  was 
kept  in  a  kennel  with  forty  couple  of  hounds  ;  not  a  single  hound 
was  bitten,  nor  was  she  seen  to  offer  to  bite.  The  bitch  being  of 
a  peculiar  sort,  every  attention  was  paid  to  the  gradations  of  the 
disease  (which  were  extremely  rapid)  minutely  noted  ;  the  hy- 
drophobia was  fast  approaching  before  she  v/as  separated  from 
the  hounds,  and  she  died  the  second  day  after  ;  at  first  warm  milk 
was  placed  before  her,  which  she  attempted  to  lap,  but  the  throat 
'efused  its  functions ;  from  this  period  she  never  tried  to  eat  or 
drink,  seldom  rose  up,  or  even  moved,  the  tongue  swelled  very 
much,  and  long  before  her  death  the  jaws  were  distended  by  it. 
A  span'if^l  was  observed  to  be  seized  by  a  strange  dog,  and  waf 
nit  in  the  lip ;  the  servant  who  ran  up  to  part  them  narrowly  e» 


DISEASES  OF  DOGS.  287 

capcd,  as  Iho  dog  twice  flew  at  him  ;  a  few  minutes  after  tl«3 
dog  had  quitted  the  yard,  the  people  who  had  pursued,  gave  no- 
tice of  the  dog's  madness,  who  had  made  terrible  havoc  in  a 
course  of  ten  miles  from  whence  he  had  set  off.  The  spaniel  was 
a  great  favourite,  had  medicine  applied,  and  every  precaution  ta- 
ken  ;  upon  the  fourteenth  day  he  appeared  to  loathe  his  food,  and 
his  eyes  looked  unusually  heavy  :  the  day  following  he  endeavored 
to  lap  milk,  but  could  swallow  none  ;  from  that  time  the  tongue 
began  to  swell  :  he  moved  but  seldom  and  on  the  third  day  he  died  ; 
for  many  hours  previous  to  his  death,  the  tongue  was  so  enlarged, 
that  the  fangs  or  canine  teeth  could  not  meet  each  other  by  up- 
wards  of  an  inch.  The  hounds  were  some  years  after  parted  with, 
and  were  sold  in  lots  :  a  madness  broke  out  in  the  kennel  of  the 
gentleman  who  purchased  many  of  them,  and  although  several  of 
these  hounds  were  bitten  and  went  mad,  only  one  of  them  ever 
attempted  to  bite,  and  that  was  a  hound  from  the  Duke  of  Port- 
land's, who  in  the  operation  of  worming  had  the  worm  broke  by 
his  sti'uggling,  and  was  so  troublesome  that  one  half  of  it  was  suf- 
fered ton*emain  ;  the  others  all  died  with  symptoms  similar  to  the 
terrier  and  spaniel,  viz :  a  violent  swelling  of  the  tongue,  and  a 
stupor  rendering  them  nearly  motionless,  and  both  which  symp. 
toms  seemed  to  increase  with  the  disease.  Tlie  idea  that  worming 
prevents  a  dog  from  receiving  the  infection  when  bitten  should  be 
exploded;  but  the  foregoing  show  how  far  it  maybe  recommended 
for  the  restriction  of  a  malady  horrid  in  its  effects,  where  a  human 
Deing  is  concerned,  and  which  to  the  sportsman  and  farmer  are  at- 
tended with  such  dangerous  and  expensive  consequences.  Blaine 
on  the  contrary,  asserts,  that  the  practice  of  worming  is  whol/v 
useless  and  founded  in  error  ;  and  that  the  existence  of  any  thing 
like  a  worm  under  the  tongue  is  incontestibly  proved  to  be  false  , 
and  that  what  has  been  taken  for  it,  is  merely  a  deep  ligature  ot 
the  skm,  placed  there  to  restrain  the  tongue  in  its  motions.  He 
also  observes,  that  the  pendulous  state  of  the  tongue  in  what  i^ 
called  dumb  madness,  with  the  existence  of  a  partial  paralysis  ol 
the  under  jaw,  which  they  could  not  bite,  having  happened  to  dogs 
previously  wormed,  has  made  the  inability  to  be  attributed  to  this 
source,  but  which  is  wholly  an  accidental  circumstance  ;  and  hap. 
pens  equally  to  the  wormed  and  unwormed  dog. 

262.  The  worming  of  whelps  is  performed  with  a  lancet,  to  siil 
the  thin  skin  which  immediately  covers  the  worm  ;  a  small  av/1  is 
then  to  be  introduced  under  the  centre  of  the  worm  to  raise  it  up, 
the  farther  end  of  the  worm  will  with  very  little  force  make  its 
appearance,  and  with  a  cloth  taking  hold  of  that  end,  the  other 
*-iH  be  drawn  o>it  easily  ;  care  should  be  taken  that  the  whole  o) 


288  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

the  worm  comes  away  without  breaking,  and  it  rarely  breaks  un 
less  cut  into  by  the  lancet,  or  wounded  by  the  awl. 

263.  Mange.  This  is  a  very  frequent  disease  in  dogs,  and  is  an 
affection  of  the  skin,  either  caught  by  contagion,  or  generated  by 
the  animal.  The  scabby  mange  breaks  out  in  blotches  along  the 
back  and  neck  and  is  common  to  Newfoundland  dogs,  terriers, 
pointers,  and  spaniels,  and  is  the  most  contagious.  The  euro 
sliould  be  begun  by  removing  the  first  exciting  cause,  if  rem  ova. 
ble,  such  as  filth  or  poverty  ;  or,  as  more  general  the  contrary 
(for  both  will  equally  produce  it,)  too  full  living.  Then  an  ap- 
plication should  be  made  to  tlie  parts,  consisting  of  sulphur  and 
sal  ammoniac  :  tar  lime  water  will  also  assist.  When  there  is  much 
heat  and  itching,  bleed  and  purge.  Mercurials  sometimes  assist, 
but  they  should  be  used  with  caution  ;  dogs  do  not  bear  them  well. 
Or,  fresh  butter,  free  from  salt,"  quarter  of  a  pound  ;  red  precipitate, 
one  ounce  ;  Venice  turpentine,  one  ounce  :  mix  the  whole  well  to- 
gether, and  put  it  into  a  pot  for  use,  rub  it  on  the  parts  affected 
morning  and  evening,  keep  your  dog  tied  up,  and  keep  him  warn 
and  dry  for  some  days. 

264.  Wonns.  Dogs  suffer  very  much  from  worms,  which  as  in 
most  animals,  so  in  them  are  of  several  kinds :  but  the  effects  pro- 
duced are  nearly  similar.  In  dogs  having  the  worms  the  coat  gen- 
erally stares ;  the  appetite  is  ravenous  though  the  animal  frequently 
does  not  thrive  ;  the  breath  smells,  and  the  stools  are  singular, 
sometimes  loose  and  slimy,  and  at  others  hard  and  dry  ;  but  the 
most  evil  they  produce  is  occasional  fits,  or  sometimes  a  continued 
state  of  convulsion,  in  which  the  animal  lingers  sometime  and  then 
dies ;  the  fits  they  produce  are  sometimes  of  the  violent  kind  ;  at 
otners  they  exhibit  a  more  stupid  character,  the  dog  being  senseless 
and  going  round  continually.  The  cure  consists  while  in  this  state, 
in  active  purgatives  joined  with  opium,  and  the  warm  bath  ;  any 
rough  substance  given  internally,  acts  as  a  vermifuge  to  prevent 
Ihe  recurrence. 


Webster  Family  Library  Of  Veterinary  Medicine 
Commings  School  of  Veterinary  i^^ledicine  at 
Tufts  University 
200  Westboro  Road 
North  Grafton,  MA  01536 


